Inflammatory arthritis (IA) is a condition characterized by joint inflammation caused by an overactive immune system. It often affects multiple joints throughout the body simultaneously but can also involve just a single joint. While inflammatory forms of arthritis are much less common than osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent type of arthritis, they can lead to significant discomfort and disability.
Joint inflammation can result in swollen, painful joints. This condition may stem from various causes, including injuries and inflammatory arthritis. Effective treatment is essential for managing symptoms and preventing further joint damage. Medical News Today provides in-depth information on these causes and the available treatment options.
Rheumatoid arthritis, a common type of inflammatory arthritis, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can impact more than just joints. It has the potential to affect a variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. As an autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis arises when the immune system erroneously attacks the body’s tissues. Mayo Clinic offers a detailed exploration of its symptoms and causes.
Diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis typically involves a combination of blood tests and imaging tests. Various blood tests, such as complete blood count, play a crucial role in diagnosing this condition. Healthline discusses these diagnostic methods in greater detail.
The most common forms of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus), gout, and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). These conditions are marked by pain, swelling, tenderness, and warmth in the joints, often accompanied by morning stiffness lasting more than an hour. The Arthritis Foundation provides insights into the causes of inflammatory joint pain.
Inflammatory arthritis is not only a group of diseases affecting the joints but can also influence other tissues in the body, including organs such as the lungs and heart. Symptoms like joint pain and stiffness, as well as warm, swollen, and tender joints, are typical. However, this condition can also manifest in other body parts, affecting overall health. More information on living with this condition can be found at Hospital for Special Surgery.
Arthritis, in general, involves the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. While arthritis symptoms like joint pain and stiffness typically worsen with age, the most common types, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, have distinct characteristics and impacts. Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive overview of these different types of arthritis.
