Types of Arthritis in Adults

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis that can be found in both children and adults. However, there are some types of arthritis that are commonly found in adults such as rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis.

Degenerative Arthritis - This condition is also commonly referred to as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis, and is commonly found in older adults. This condition is caused by overuse of the joints over time causing the tissue to wear down. This allows the joints to rub together causing pain and swelling. This is the most common type of arthritis found in older adults of both genders.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - This type of arthritis is caused by a type of auto immune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the healthy tissue that surrounds the joints causing pain, stiffness and swelling of the effected joints. This type of arthritis is very common in both adults and children and medication can suppress the condition for weeks or months at time. Although this type of arthritis is not curable, it can be treated efficiently with medication and diet modification.

Gout - Gout is caused when too much uric acid is found in the body. This can be caused by many different things such as predisposition genetics and can also be secondary diagnoses due to complications from an existing health condition. This condition often flares up in sporadic spurts that can last anywhere from a few days to a few months depending on the severity of the condition.