Learning About Inflammatory Arthritis

By Kim Archer

Inflammatory arthritis includes a variety of illnesses that attack the joints because of immune system problems. These conditions include rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune disorders happen when the immune system attacks its own tissue, causing pain and inflammation. Other varieties, such as reactive arthritis, are the body's response to a bacterial infection. Psoriatic arthritis is related to a medical condition known as psoriasis, a skin disease.

Arthritis technically refers to any painful inflammation of the joints, and arthritis conditions can range from being so mild that they are hardly noticeable to so severe that they are practically debilitating. Arthritis can be overwhelming and the associated pain is often severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Inflammatory arthritis can be caused by a variety of things. Unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or smoking are thought to be linked to the development of this disease so these habits should be discontinued to minimize the risk. Genetics can also play a role. And people with certain blood types can also be more likely to get inflammatory arthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis is often mistaken for another condition because symptoms can mimic the symptoms of the common cold or a case of the flu. An active condition can produce fatigue, lack of appetite, low grade fever, and muscular aches and pains.

Inflammation is a commonly experienced symptom of the disease. Joints can become painfully stiff and swollen for no apparent reason.

Chronic inflammation can cause serious damage to the body's tissues and cartilage, so if you are ever experiencing any of these symptoms you want to report them to your doctor as soon as possible. On a positive note, diagnosing inflammatory arthritis is very easy. Once diagnosed, you can begin treatment. Thanks to advances in treatment, there are many options out there.

Conventional medical treatments will help to relieve the pain that is associated with your arthritis, but bear in mind that as of today there are no cures for this condition. Even though medical treatments cannot make the illness go away, they can help you live a healthy, active life. - 30425

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