Arthritis is a common condition, affecting nearly a quarter of all adults in the United States. It is likely that you or someone you know will be diagnosed with joint inflammation due to arthritis, but luckily, many treatment plans can help alleviate pain and minimize damage to the body. Learn more about the different types of this chronic disease, potential causes, and how to treat arthritis.

Different Types of Arthritis

The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and psoriatic:

• Osteoarthritis: A generalized form of this condition that usually affects your knees, hips, feet, and spine, causing the joints to hurt as they move. 
• Rheumatoid: An autoimmune disease. This form of arthritis occurs because your cells are attacking themselves, usually causing the most stress to multiple joints in your knuckles, elbows, heels, and the same places that osteoarthritis affects. 
• Psoriatic: This type impacts your joints and also causes inflammation in your skin, leaving irritated patches around your elbows, knees, scalp, navel, and genitals.

Potential Causes of Arthritis

The causes behind arthritis are mostly unknown. Many cases are thought to result from "wear and tear" as people age—as people grow older, the cartilage between their bones grows weaker, leading to stress and inflammation in these areas.

Genetics is also believed to impact your likelihood of contracting arthritis. Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are linked to certain genes and are often traced throughout a family line, causing doctors to believe that this form is mostly inherited. 

Suffering from joint-related injuries and infections can also damage your joints and trigger inflammation, making these potential causes of arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis. 

How to Manage Arthritis

Preventative care and treatment of this chronic disease differ depending on the type in question. Doctors may prescribe medication to help control your immune system and reduce inflammation levels in people with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. If your condition is due to an infection, your doctor will treat it directly, which will help alleviate that infection's symptoms—arthritis being one of them. 

If you partake in activities or have a job that requires repetitive joint movements, you may need to take a temporary or permanent break from those actions. Continuing to put stress on those body parts will only continue to exacerbate your condition.

Get assistance from a medical professional in diagnosing and treating your arthritis by planning a visit to Argyle Family Practice & Aesthetics in Argyle, TX. This primary care physician's office specializes in diagnosing chronic diseases and conditions and providing personalized treatment plans to suit your needs. They prioritize both mental and physical care for their patients, taking a well-rounded approach to bettering your health. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (940) 226-4850 to schedule an appointment.