Before listing the different types of arthritis, let’s define what it is. We have all experienced occasional joint pains or soreness in our hands, knees or shoulders. That doesn’t mean it is some type of arthritis.

Arthritis is usually caused by inflammation of the tissue lining the joints. Symptoms include redness, pain and swelling. These problems are telling you that something is wrong. In some cases, or types of arthritis, this inflammation also produces degeneration and deformity in the joint.

There are several types of arthritis. The two most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This condition usually sets in with age and most often affects the fingers, knees, and hips. Sometimes osteoarthritis follows an injury to a joint. For example, a young person might hurt his knee badly playing football. Or someone is injured in a car accident or from a fall. He may develop arthritis in the knee many years after the injury has healed.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when the body’s own defense system fails to work properly. It affects joints and bones (often of the hands and feet), and may also affect internal organs and systems. You may feel sick or tired, and you may have a fever.

Crystals that build up in the joints cause another common type of arthritis known as gout. It usually affects the big toe, but many other joints may be affected.

Arthritis can also affect other parts of the body such as the skin, internal organs and eyes.

Researchers have identified several risk factors even though the exact cause of most types of arthritis is not yet known. These include obesity (being overweight puts additional stress on the joints), age (the risk increases with age), gender (arthritis appears to occur more frequently in women than men), and job related issues (repetitive movement, heavy lifting or frequent injury can lead to arthritic changes).

Arthritis affects approximately 70 million Americans. Or, put another way, it affects approximately one out of every three people. It is a major cause of lost work and disability. It can affect people of all ages but is most common among older adults. Diagnosis is done by a thorough medical evaluation and history, physical exam, blood tests and imaging studies.

The primary goals of treatment are to provide relief from pain, increase mobility in the joints and reduce strain around the joints. Physicians may recommend medication, hot or cold compresses, exercise, joint protection or surgery. With early diagnosis, most types of arthritis are managed well with pain and disability being minimized.

Although it cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take that will help reduce your risk or prevent permanent joint damage. By maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a healthy diet and protecting your joints at work you reduce your risk of developing arthritis.

For more information on arthritis and related conditions, contact any of the following organizations:

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
  Information Clearinghouse
  National Institutes of Health
  1 AMS Circle
  Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
  Phone: 301-495-4484
  Toll Free: 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)
  TTY: 301–565–2966
  Fax: 301-718-6366
  Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
  Website: http://www.niams.nih.gov
• Arthritis Foundation
  P.O. Box 7669
  Atlanta, GA 30357-0669
  Phone: 404-872-7100
  Toll Free: 800-283-7800
  Website: http://www.arthritis.org
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont, IL 60018-4262
  Phone: 847-823-7186
  Toll Free: 800-824-BONE (2663)
  Fax: 847-823-8125
  Email: pemr@aaos.org
  Website: http://www.aaos.org
• American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
  1800 Century Place, Suite 250
  Atlanta, GA 30345-4300
  Phone: 404-633-3777
  Fax: 404-633-1870
  Website: http://www.rheumatology.org

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CFS is a disease that causes a person to become so fatigued that normal daily function is impaired. The tiredness that is experienced is so severe that mental and physical activity or movement make this condition worse, and rest usually doesn’t diminish the fatigue.

This disease is a difficult one to diagnose and treat because symptoms are sometimes very general, which may lead to confusion when trying to find a correct diagnosis. The major symptom used for diagnosis is chronic fatigue that has lasted longer than six months.

People with chronic fatigue may experience the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Sore throat
• Pain or tenderness in neck and armpits
• Unexplained muscle soreness
• Joint pain
• Difficulty with concentration
• Trouble sleeping
• Extreme exhaustion after exercise that lasts for more than 24 hours

Unfortunately, the causes of CFS aren’t well understood. The immune system may not be functioning well, or viruses may play a part. So how is this disease treated when there are so many unknowns?

First, consult with your doctor. If you’re experiencing a combination of the symptoms listed above, and have been for awhile, you need to get a proper diagnosis and begin a treatment plan.

So far, there is no known cure for CFS, and the medications used are generally for treating symptoms such as sleep problems, and muscle aches. If you’re experiencing depression or anxiety, you may be prescribed an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication as well.

Even though there is no cure, most symptoms improve with time. In the meantime, there are some effective self-treatments you can use. You can help yourself by keeping track of times of the day when you have the most energy and planning for activity during those times.

Try to keep some activity and exercise in your life, even if it isn’t as much as you would like. You can also find a chronic fatigue syndrome support group in your area. And make sure you ask your friends and family for support while you’re finding ways to recover your lost energy.

If memory and concentration are problems, become a note and list writer so you don’t forget important tasks and appointments. CFS is not well understood, hard to diagnose, and impossible to cure easily at this time.

However, with the help of your doctor, you can find ways to deal with the symptoms while time takes its course in improving them. Be sure to find support in the form of family, friends and a support group, and give your body the time it needs to ease the symptoms.

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