Common Types of Senior Arthritis

Arthritis is a term used to describe a group of more than 100 different types of diseases that affects the joints of the bodies.

With more than 100 different types of arthritis, the ways it can affect the body and those who are at risk can greatly vary. For example, there are some types of arthritis that can affect juveniles and there are others that are closely related to psoriasis. Despite the fact that there are so many diverse types of arthritis, seniors are at an increased risk of developing the disease. In fact, of the more than 100 types of arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis represent the majority of all cases.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common type of arthritis, which, while it can affect people of any age, is much more common among seniors. One of the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is joint pain and inflammation. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which means that it causes the body’s own immune system to attack healthy cells.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect any joint and usually acts symmetrically. What this means is that when one joint is affected, the other joint is usually also affected. For example, someone with rheumatoid arthritis in their right knee will almost always also have rheumatoid arthritis in their left knee.

Usually the joint discomfort caused by rheumatoid arthritis lasts for more than an hour and often occurs in the morning or after a long period of inactivity. This can make tasks like standing up very difficult and hard to complete without assistance. While, like most types of arthritis, one of the key components of rheumatoid arthritis is joint pain, but other symptoms, like fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and dry eyes.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, especially among seniors. It is considered to be an asymmetrical arthritis, which means that in most cases, only one joint in a pair will be affected. For example, someone who has osteoarthritis in their right knee, would usually not have it in their left knee.

Like other types of arthritis, osteoarthritis can cause joint pain in the morning or after being inactive. However, usually this joint discomfort only lasts for around thirty minutes. In many cases, the joint pain will return again in the evening and is much worse than in the morning. Physical activity can also cause joint pain.

In most cases, osteoarthritis is found in weight bearing joints, but it can also occur in the smaller joints of the hands.