Other Types of Arthritis
Other than rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, there are other forms of the disease that attack joints with varying levels of severity. These include:
Gout
Gout causes pain, swelling, and tenderness (inflammation) in the joints. The condition arises when uric acid builds up and develops crystal-like deposits in the joints of the big toe, ankle, knee, foot, hand, wrist, and elbow and the pain is often described as 'piercing' or 'stabbing.' 5% of all arthritis cases are caused by gout.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, this form of arthritis may emerge as a temporary or chronic medical problem. Affected joints include the knee, ankle, wrist, and the small joints located in the hands and feet. If left untreated, juvenile arthritis can cause stiff, bent joints and joint damage. Common symptoms include a decrease in energy, poor appetite, and sluggishness. Some children also exhibit flu-like symptoms and become very ill.
Reactive (or Infectious) Arthritis
This kind of arthritis appears after a patient has suffered an infection, especially in the intestines, reproductive organs or urinary system. The pain and swelling associated with this type of arthritis is temporary and typically fades with early detection and treatment.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
This inflammatory type of arthritis is found in the spine and the sacroiliac joints, located close to the pelvis. Since the symptoms of this disease mimic that of common lower back pain, an accurate diagnosis is often overlooked. However, this condition is very treatable when patients seek aggressive therapy and effective pain management.
Hemorrhagic Arthritis
There are several conditions (such as sickle cell disease and the blood disorder hemophilia) that can cause joints to bleed. If accumulation of blood within a joint occurs, patients will suffer swelling, inflammation, pain, and other forms of arthritis