Types of Inflammatory Arthritis
It is important to know that there are different types of inflammatory arthritis and they are:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. It mostly affects small joints in the hands and feet. It also affects more than one joint. The target of this inflammation is in the synovium, which may swell up, get warm, stiff and painful. Prolonged inflammation can lead to permanent damage of the joint.
Psoriatic arthritis: This is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs with psoriasis, a skin condition that appears as a red scaly, sometime itchy rash. It is commonly seen in the knees, elbows and scalp, but can occur anywhere on the body including the inside of the ears, groins and buttock creases. Psoriatic arthritis is known to affect large joints in the hands and feet; it may also cause severe swelling of the finger or toe (dactylitis) [2]. People with psoriatic arthritis can also have spinal inflammation.
Reactive Arthritis: This happens when you have been infected by certain bacteria such as Chlamydia [3]. Reactive arthritis is the least common and can disappear completely within 12 months. This is different from (and does not include) Lyme disease.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): This type of inflammatory arthritis majorly affects the spine and pelvic joints, sternum (the breast bone), and large joints in the body. This arthritis eventually causes reduced motility in the spine.
Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis (JIA): This is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects young people under the age of 16. In most cases, swelling or inability to move the joints are signs of the condition. Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis may be associated with other complications. The most severe complication is eye inflammation, because it is not easy to notice and can lead to blindness. Pediatric rheumatologist helps in treating Inflammatory Arthritis in children.