Most people think that arthritis is just one joint disease that affects millions of people when in fact there are many different forms of arthritis that can all have equally different treatments and symptoms. There are primary forms of arthritis and secondary forms, each with different symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
The primary forms of arthritis are: juvenile arthritis, gout, pseudogout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, Still’s disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. The secondary forms of arthritis (these occur with other diseases) are: systemic lupus erythematosus, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, hemochromatosis, hepatitis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, Familial Mediterranean fever, HIDS (hyperimmunoglobulinemia D and periodic fever syndrome), inflammatory bowel disease, and Crohn’s disease. Of course, there are some diseases that mimic arthritic symptoms, such as: Pierre Marie-Bamberger syndrome, osteoporosis, and multiple myeloma.
Treatment options for any form of arthritis can include everything from over the counter medications, supplements, and creams, to prescription medication, to surgeries, and more. Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you when you are diagnosed with a form of arthritis, as each different form has different stages and different levels of pain and treatment. If you are diagnosed with a form of arthritis, you can almost be assured that you will get some form of physical or occupational therapy that will help to loosen your joints and allow more flexible movements. Your doctor may discuss the possiblity of surgery, such as arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery), if you are diagnosed with a form of arthritis that erodes the joints or bones around the joints.
Some supplements have been shown to help improve your joints and the fluid that surrounds your joints. Your doctor can tell you which supplements can help and which you should be taking with the form of arthritis that you are diagnosed with.
