If you are experiencing severe joint pain due to inflammation, you may have a form of arthritis. This disorder can diminish mobility and cause discomfort, but proper medical care will boost your quality of life. There are over 100 types of this condition, each with specific symptoms and ways to manage it. Here are a few most common that you can alleviate with arthritis treatment.

What Are the Different Kinds of Arthritis?

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the common type of this disorder and results when cartilage in the joints disintegrates. Once it wears away, bones will rub together, leading to inflammation, pain, and injury. The most typical places this disorder affects are the knees, hips, feet, and spine. Fortunately, you can relieve discomfort through arthritis treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications and heat. 

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) attacks the body's healthy joint tissues. This autoimmune disorder usually occurs on both sides of the body in the same joint and can lead to deformities.

With this disease, you could experience weakness, fatigue, hand and foot numbness, tingling, or burning. Parts of the body, including the skin, lungs, heart, and eyes, can also manifest symptoms. Various treatment options are available for this condition, including therapy, medication, surgery, and changing your diet and lifestyle. 

3. Psoriatic Arthritis 

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) typically affects the fingers, giving them pink-colored, sausage-like appearances. Fingernail pitting can occur, and the condition may impact the knees or spine. 7% to 26% of individuals with psoriasis could develop PsA.

Arthritis treatments for this condition focus primarily on preventing and managing joint pain by controlling inflammation. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the most common types of medication prescribed. There is no cure or single therapy for this disorder, and physicians give each patient an individualized treatment plan after diagnosis.

If you experience arthritis symptoms, seek help from Independence Healthcare in Soldotna, AK. This health care center operates various clinics and features a team of medical professionals offering individualized diagnoses and arthritis treatments to relieve symptoms. Visit the website to view their full roster of care centers and services, and call (907) 262-6454 to schedule an appointment.