What Other Diseases "Masquerade" as Rheumatoid Arthritis? Part 1 - The Non-Infectious Group

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and affects more than 2 million Americans. The diagnosis is not easy to make in many instances. There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis. Most of them involve inflammation. When a patient goes to a rheumatologist to get a diagnosis, there is a process of elimination in order to arrive at the proper diagnosis. This process of elimination is called "differential diagnosis."

Differential diagnosis can be a difficult undertaking because so many forms of arthritis, particularly inflammatory forms of arthritis look alike. Generally it is helpful to divide the differential diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis into two groups. The first group are the non-infectious diseases to consider and the second group are the infection-related conditions.

Since the discussion is rather long I have chosen to divide the article into two parts.

The following is a partial list of forms of inflammatory arthritis that can be seen and must be considered when evaluating a patient with inflammatory symptoms of arthritis and are not infection related.

RA is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the peripheral joints (hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and feet). It can also affect non joint structures such as the lung, eye, skin, and cardiovascular system.

RA may start slowly with nonspecific symptoms, including fatigue, malaise (feeling "blah"), appetite loss, low-grade fever, weight loss, and vague joint pains, or it may have an explosive onset with inflammation involving multiple joints. The joint symptoms usually occur bilaterally- both sides of the body equally involved- and symmetric. Erosions- damage to the joint- can be seen with x-ray. In about 80% of cases, elevated levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-cyclic citrullinated antibodies (anti-CCP) are present in the blood. There appears to be a correlation between the presence of anti-CCP antibodies and erosions.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) occurs in children under the age of 16. Three forms of JRA exist, including oligoarticular (1-4 joints), polyarticular (more than 4 joints), and systemic-onset or Still's disease. The latter condition is associated with systemic symptoms -- including fever and rash in addition to joint disease.

Polyarticular JRA has similar characteristics to adult RA. It causes about 30% of cases of JRA. Most children with polyarticular JRA are negative for RF and their prognosis is usually good.

Approximately 20% of polyarticular JRA patients have elevated RF, and these patients are at risk for chronic, progressive joint damage.

Eye involvement in the form of inflammation- called uveitis- is a common finding in oligoarticular JRA, especially in patients who are positive for anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), a blood test that is often used to screen for autoimmune disease. Uveitis may not cause symptoms so careful screening should be performed in these patients.

SLE is an inflammatory, chronic, autoimmune disorder that can involve the skin, joints, kidneys, central nervous system, and blood vessel walls. Patients may present with 1 or more of the following: butterfly-shaped rash on the face, affecting the cheeks; rash on other parts of the body; sensitivity to sunlight; mouth sores; joint inflammation; fluid around the lungs, heart, or other organs; kidney abnormalities; low white blood cell count, low red blood cell count, or low platelet count; nerve or brain inflammation; positive results of a blood test for ANA; positive results of a blood test for antibodies to double-stranded DNA or other antibodies.

Patients with lupus can have significant inflammatory arthritis. As a result, lupus can be difficult to distinguish from RA, especially if other features of lupus are not present. Clues that favor a diagnosis of RA over lupus in a patient presenting with arthritis affecting multiple joints include lack of lupus features, erosions (joint damage) seen on x-rays, and elevations of RF and anti-CCP antibodies.

Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are types of inflammatory muscle disease. These conditions typically present with bilateral (both sides involved) large muscle weakness. In the case of DM, rash is present. Diagnosis consists of finding the following: elevation of muscle enzyme levels in the blood [the two enzymes that are measured are creatine kinase (CPK) and aldolase], signs and symptoms, electromyograph (EMG)- an electrical test- alteration, and a positive muscle biopsy.

In addition, in many cases abnormal antibodies specific for inflammatory muscle disease can be elevated.

In both PM and DM, inflammatory arthritis can be present and can look like RA. Both inflammatory muscle disease and RA can affect the lungs. In RA, muscle function will usually be normal. Also, in PM and DM, erosive joint disease is unlikely. RF and anti-CCP antibodies are typically elevated in RA but not PM or DM.

SAs -- psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and enteropathic arthritis -- are a category of diseases that cause systemic inflammation, and preferentially attack parts of the spine and other joints where tendons attach to bones. They also can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, upper and lower back, tendonitis, bursitis, heel pain, and fatigue. They are termed "seronegative" types of arthritis. The term 'seronegative' means that testing for rheumatoid factor is negative. Symptoms of adult SAs include:

o Back and/or joint pain;

o Morning stiffness;

o Tenderness near bones;

o Sores on the skin;

o Inflammation of the joints on both sides of the body;

o Skin or mouth ulcers;

o Rash on the bottom of the feet; and

o Eye inflammation.

Occasionally, arthritis similar to that seen in RA can be present. Careful history and physical examination can often distinguish between these conditions, especially if an obvious disease that is promoting inflammation is present (psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.). In addition, RA rarely affects the DIP joints- the last row of finger joints. If these joints are involved with inflammatory arthritis, the diagnosis of an SA is possible. (Note of caution: a condition known as inflammatory erosive nodal osteoarthritis can also affect the DIP joints). RF and anti-CCP antibodies are negative in SAs, although, rarely, in cases of psoriatic arthritis there may be elevations of RF and anti-CCP antibodies.

Gout is caused by deposits of monosodium urate (uric acid) crystals into a joint. Gouty arthritis is acute in onset, very painful, with signs of significant inflammation on exam (red, warm, swollen joints). Gout can affect almost any joint in the body, but typically affects cooler areas including the toes, feet, ankles, knees, and hands. Diagnosis is made by drawing fluid from an inflamed joint and analyzing the fluid. Demonstrating monosodium urate crystals in the joint fluid is diagnostic, although finding elevated serum levels of uric acid can also be helpful.

In most cases, gout is an acute single joint disease that is easy to distinguish from RA. However, in some cases, chronic erosive joint inflammation where multiple joints are involved can develop. And, in cases where tophi (deposits of uric acid) are present, it can be difficult to distinguish from erosive RA. However, crystal analysis of joints or tophi and blood tests should be helpful in distinguishing gout from RA.

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), also known as pseudogout, is a disease is caused by deposits of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in a joint. The presence of these crystals in the joints leads to significant inflammation. Establishing the diagnosis includes using:

o Detailed medical history;

o Withdrawing fluid from a joint to check for crystals;

o Joint x-rays to show crystals deposition in the cartilage (chondrocalcinosis); and

o Blood tests to rule out other diseases (e.g., RA or osteoarthritis).

In most cases, CPPD arthritis presents with single joint inflammation. In some cases, CPPD disease can present with chronic symmetric multiple joint erosive arthritis similar to RA. RA and CPPD disease can usually be told apart by joint aspiration demonstrating calcium pyrophosphate crystals, and by blood tests, including RF and anti-CCP antibodies, which are usually negative in CCPD arthritis. A complicating feature is that RA and CPPD can coexist!

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory joint disorder. The majority of patients with this disease have lung disease, with eye and skin disease being the next most frequent signs of disease. Although the diagnosis of sarcoidosis can be made on clinical and x-ray presentation alone, sometimes the use of tissue biopsy with the demonstration of "noncaseating granulomas" is necessary for diagnosis.

Arthritis is present in 15% of patients with sarcoidosis, and in rare cases can be the only sign of disease. In acute sarcoid arthritis, joint disease is usually of rapid onset. It is symmetric involving the ankles, although knees, wrists, and hands can be involved. In most cases of acute disease, lung and skin disease are also present. Chronic sarcoid arthritis can be difficult to distinguish from RA. Although RA-specific blood tests, such as RF and anti-CCP antibodies, can be helpful in distinguishing RA from sarcoidosis, in some cases a biopsy of joint tissue may be required for diagnosis.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a disease that leads to inflammation of tendons, muscles, ligaments, and tissues around the joints. It presents with large muscle pain, aching, morning stiffness, fatigue, and in some cases, fever. It can be associated with temporal arteritis (TA), also known as giant-cell arteritis, which is a related but more serious condition in which inflammation of large blood vessels can lead to blindness and aneurysms. Also, a peculiar syndrome where use of the arms and legs leads to cramping because of insufficient blood flow (limb claudication) can occur. PMR is diagnosed when the clinical picture is present along with elevated markers of inflammation (ESR and/or CRP). If temporal arteritis is suspected (headache, vision changes, limb claudication), biopsy of a temporal artery may be necessary to demonstrate inflammation of blood vessels.

PMR and TA can present with symmetric inflammatory arthritis similar to RA. These diseases can usually be distinguished by blood testing. In addition, headaches, vision changes, and large muscle pain are uncommon in RA, and if these are present, PMR and/or TA should be considered.

In part 2 of this article, I will discuss infectious diseases that need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. When RA is suspected, it is critical to consult with an expert rheumatologist.

Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR is a rheumatologist and Director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland (http://www.aocm.org). He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and consultant to the National Institutes of Health. For more info: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/arthritis-treatment.html

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Arthritis - Herbs and Ayurvedic Remedies, Arthritis Symptom and Other Treatments

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. It can occur anywhere in the body and, based on that, there are several types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is the common ailment of pain in the joints observed in elderly people. Other common types of arthritic ailments are rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

The word arthritis is derived from two root Greek words - arthros meaning 'joint' and it is meaning 'inflammation'. Hence, arthritis literally translates as inflammation of the joints.

Arthritis is an auto-immune disease, which means, it is a disease in which the human body attacks itself. It begins in one or two joints where an acute pain is felt. This is the most miserable phase of arthritis. Over time, this pain may disappear, but it could cause permanent deformities in the bones and joints.

Why is Arthritis caused?

Different types of arthritis are caused due to different reasons.

(1) Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis is a common old-age problem, which affects several people who have crossed the age of 40 years. In people with osteoarthritis, the bones may increase in size at their articulating points. As a result the spaces between them in the joints become less. When moving about, there is a high probability that different bones will rub against each other. This is the cause of osteoarthritis.

(2) Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis is a more serious problem than osteoarthritis because it can occur at any age. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, the ligaments and tendons between the joints undergo degeneration. This causes severe pain where the degeneration has taken place. Common rheumatoid arthritis pains are felt in the fingers; but other places like the wrists, hip and knees are also affected. Rheumatoid arthritis is responsible for deformation of the fingers.

(3) Septic Arthritis - Septic arthritis is a special type of arthritis which is caused when the joints get infected.

(4) Gout - Gout is common old-age arthritis. It is caused when crystals of uric acid are deposited in the spaces between the joints. This type of arthritis is linked with faulty digestion.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

In all types of arthritis, the following symptoms are observed:-

The initial pains are felt as fleeting pains in the joints, which seem to be no more than a twitching pain.
Pains alternate between various joints quickly.
If the arthritis becomes acute, then on a particular day there is very sharp pain in a joint, and it becomes absolutely normal the next day. The next day another joint could be affected in a similar fashion.
The pains could increase in the winter season or in cold nights.

How can Arthritis be avoided?

Arthritis cannot be avoided effectively as it is a common ailment that occurs with advancing age. One must learn to live with the problem. But there are various things which can be avoided in order to keep arthritis at bay.

The following foods must be avoided if you have continuous arthritic pains:

Animal fats
Fried foods
Foods rich in carbohydrates like potatoes
Tomatoes
Peppers
Salt

Simple yogic asanas and light exercise helps proper digestion of the body and also protects it from autoimmune problems. Hence, these are beneficial in arthritis.

If you have recurrent pains in the joints, then do not keep the joint covered. As far as possible, keep the joint exposed to the air. For example, if you have pain in the knee joints, then do not wear tight denim clothing; shorts would be a good idea. This will provide freer circulation of blood in the joint and reduce the pains.

How can Arthritis be controlled with Simple Home Remedies?

Some household remedies are known to provide relief from arthritic pains. The following are some of the more benefiting ones:-

Applying a paste of limestone and honey on the affected joints externally provides relief.
Mash some mustard in warm water and apply this solution on the joints. This must be done repeatedly to get results.
Put two teaspoons of cumin into a glass of water. Bring this to a boil. When the water is still hot, soak a towel in it and foment the affected region with this towel. This will provide relief from the pain within a few hours.
Asafetida mixed with egg yolk can be applied on the affected joints to seek immediate relief.
Prepare a pancake from wheat flour. Roast it on one side, but leave it uncooked on the other. Then put some heated mustard oil on the uncooked side. When it is hot, tie it like a tourniquet on the affected joint, or provide fomentation with it. This provides quick relief.
Mix some cardamom in milk. Put a pinch of turmeric in this milk. This is to be drunk every night while going to sleep. This makes the person sleep peacefully in the morning.

Read More on Arthritis treatment by Ayurveda and Arthritis Home Remedies at http://www.ayushveda.com

Read more about Ayurveda at World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia.

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Common Symptoms for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Identification and Other Facts

Rheumatoid arthritis is a unique form of arthritis because it is an auto-immune disease that can impact more than just the joints in your body. In essence, your immune system malfunctions and begins to attack the joints, organs and/or other parts of your body. No one knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis but significant advances have been made with respect to the identification, treatment and control of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Early identification and quick aggressive treatment are your best defense when dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. Many people today live long, happy and productive lives despite rheumatoid arthritis.

Early Identification of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very serious disease and early detection and treatment is critical. If you begin to experience any of the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, keep track of your symptoms and contact your doctor immediately. It is best to keep a detailed journal of your symptoms that you can discuss with your doctor. There are over 100 types of arthritis and proper diagnosis is needed to determine the proper treatment. Common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include:

low fever;
fatigue;
multiple sore or achy joints;
multiple swollen or inflamed joints - rheumatoid arthritis impacts the soft tissue surrounding your joints. The tissue surrounding the joints may be red, swollen and tender when touched;
joint stiffness or reduced mobility - this is typically noticed first thing in the morning and/or after periods of long rest.

Many of the early common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are mistaken for flu symptoms. Even if you suspect that you have the flu, it is still a good idea to track your symptoms and see your doctor. If needed, your doctor will send you to an arthritis specialist called a rheumatologist. If your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis (or other forms of arthritis), you need a specialist.

In addition to knowing what the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are, you also need to know that there are no hard and fast rules. Here are some facts about "common" rheumatoid arthritis symptoms:

Disease Development -

the disease normally begins slowly however some people may develop rheumatoid arthritis rather suddenly. Rheumatoid arthritis affects every person differently.

Severity and Frequency -

some people experience severe joint inflammation and pain while others have milder symptoms. The frequency of common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can also vary significantly from person to person. You may feel symptoms for several days at a time, then they can stop for weeks or months at a time. It is very rare for people to experience rheumatoid arthritis symptoms continuously. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms tend to come and go for the rest of your life.

Multiple Joints -

rheumatoid arthritis tends to impact at least 3 joints or body parts at a time. It is also common for symptoms to begin on both sides of the body at the same time. This differs from degenerative arthritis, which tends to start in one joint on one side of the body. Degenerative arthritis tends to be more localized.

Joint Inflammation -

it is very important to treat and control joint inflammation because it causes damage to your joints. If you merely treat the pain, the inflammation will continue and will cause additional permanent damage. There are many medications and other treatments available that can reduce inflammation. If your doctor is not treating your inflammation, find another doctor.

Although there are common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis there are also many differences that exist. The above listing is only a partial listing of what you need to know about common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis impacts every person differently. No two people experience the disease in exactly the same way. These differences make it difficult to identify the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The best way to prepare yourself for rheumatoid arthritis is to learn as much as possible. Learn about the risk factors and common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Keep a detailed diary of all your potential symptoms and review them with your doctor. Your diary should include: location, severity, frequency and nature of your symptoms. Be sure to include the date and time and what you were doing when you felt the symptoms. What activities made your symptoms worse, what lessened your symptoms, etc. Keep track of every factor that may be important.

Since there are over 100 different types of arthritis, early detection relies heavily on information supplied by the patient. Rheumatoid arthritis can not always be detected using lab tests during its early stages. As soon as your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis, he should send you to a specialist. When your diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor should help you to design an effective treatment plan.

Most rheumatoid arthritis treatment plans include medication, alternative therapies, exercise, diet modification, etc. Together these treatments will work to control inflammation, reduce pain, increase mobility and slow or prevent additional damage. Rheumatoid arthritis can be effectively controlled and proper treatment can minimize the risk of disability. New treatment options are developing for rheumatoid arthritis because of on-going medical research. A rheumatologist is the best person to treat your disease and should know the latest and greatest treatment techniques. Early detection and treatment are highly recommended.

Visit [http://www.My-Arthritis-Relief.com] for more information about rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis and other common forms of arthritis. The website provides arthritis information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options. You will find all the arthritis information you need including arthritis in dogs, cats and more at [http://www.My-Arthritis-Relief.com] They are constantly adding new information, so visit often.

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Arthritis Medicine And Other Alternatives: Can They Really Provide Arthritis Relief?

Nowadays, arthritis medicine is a leading seller in the world of medications; the reason is that arthritis is a prevalent condition among many folks regardless of age, gender or race. As an individual age he develops some form of arthritis. Although there are several types of arthritis however many forms of arthritis medicine apply to almost all arthritic conditions.

Osteoarthritis, gout as well as rheumatoid arthritis are the 3 most typical arthritic conditions. Swelling, stiffness, tenderness, redness as well as warmth all around the joints are the common symptoms of arthritis. Up to now, the actual root cause of arthritis is unknown but you will find numerous factors that are identified to contribute to the disease such as age, being overweight, genetics and work conditions.

Arthritis is a condition that keeps affected individuals from engaging in their normal activities no matter what the reason may be. Even basic tasks such as cooking or walking may become painful. This means that it is really vital for affected individuals to find the right arthritis medicine.

Arthritis medicines come in numerous kinds. Some arthritis medicines are in topical form and some are in oral forms. Topical arthritis medications are limited and can only be employed for less severe arthritis. Narcotic is just one form of medicine for arthritis and it's meant to relieve joint inflammation due to the disease. Men and women may become dependent on medications hence folks need to be cautious in using these drugs. More often than not, sufferers combine a narcotic with some over-the-counter pain killers which are anti-inflammatory, also recognized as NSAIDS. NSAIDS are the most commonly used form of arthritis medicine since it is so readily available. Men and women should take extreme caution in taking these medicines as they possibly can be hard on the stomach and should always be taken as directed.

There are other arthritis medicines that often need a prescription for example DMARDs or Disease-modifying Antirheumatic drugs and Corticosteroids. DMARDs are drugs that are utilized for rheumatoid, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic forms of the disease and so are sometimes mixed with NSAIDs or steroids to ease pain. An additional form of medicine for arthritis is the Corticosteroids which are an anti-inflammatory drugs used for relief of inflammation. The usage of corticosteroids is sometimes combined with other drugs yet realize that the administered doses of corticosteroids are often cautiously low. In a specific form of arthritis wherein the immune system strikes the joints believing that it is a foreign body, biologic therapy is utilized. Biologic therapy is a new alternative for specific forms of the condition that is utilized to change the immune system through intravenous drugs.

For other arthritis sufferers who never want to utilize or rely on arthritis medicines can make use of other options which include hot or cold compress, special exercises, diet modification, and wearing of special devices. All these options can be combined with a great over-the-counter arthritis medicine.

Surgery is one last alternative for relief of arthritis. This treatment is usually costly as well as will involve time for recovery. Talking to your physician is the best thing to do to be able to ascertain the best treatment for your condition. Often, health professionals would recommend some lifestyle changes combined with the usage of arthritis medicine.

In order to achieve arthritis relief, affected individuals may utilize arthritis medicine as well as other helpful aids. Joint wraps present in medical supply outlets can offer heat to the joint which provides joint pain relief. Among the best ways to strengthen the joints that no medicine is capable of doing is to go to a physical therapist. Individuals with arthritis should really stay away from activities that need excessive pushing, pulling and lifting heavy objects. Excessive use of joints can aggravate arthritis. One can effectively protect against arthritis by simply eating healthy and guarding the joints.

Arthritis can keep one from doing usual activities. Guard yourself from arthritis by finding the right arthritis medicine for your condition. The right arthritis medicine can provide you adequate arthritis relief.

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Types Of Arthritis - Three Most Common Types And Other Types Of Arthritis

Arthritis covers a broad spectrum of disease. To many, the term arthritis means pain and inflammation of the joints - but, arthritis is a much more complex medical condition. The term arthritis comes from the Latin phrase, "arth" meaning joint and "it is" meaning inflammation. There are over 100 illnesses associated with the term arthritis. Arthritis can range from something as simple as tendonitis to something as chronic as rheumatoid arthritis.

Three Most Common Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis - the most common type of arthritis. This degenerative joint disease affects over 16 million Americans. This form of arthritis is caused when the cartilage surrounding the ends of the bones begins to degenerate and the joints are no longer cushioned. This caused the joints to rub together and in severe cases, you can hear the bones grating against one another. At the onset of osteoarthritis, the symptoms are usually mild and consist of pain and stiffness of the joints. As the disease progresses, inflammation and loss of motion can occur. In some severe cases, deformity can occur if the grinding joints wear one side of the joint more than the other.

Rheumatoid arthritis - This is the second most common type of arthritis and the most severe. Symptoms usually begin appearing between the ages of 25 and 50 - however, children and senior citizens can experience the onset of this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease because factors other than wear and tear of cartilage can cause the disease and the disease can affect other organs, such as the eyes, lungs, and heart. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the joints on both sides of the body - for instance, both hands will be affected, both wrists will be affected, and both legs will be affected. The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain, stiffness, swelling, redness of the skin, fatigue, weight loss, and low-grade fever. Not only affecting the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can give you an overall feeling of sickness. Rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating disease, however patients can experience periods of remission in which the symptoms disappear and they can lead a normal life.
Fibromyalgia - This is a type of arthritis that does not directly affect the joints. Rather, the inflammation and pain affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues under the skin. Many patients have tender spots under the skin that are painful when any type of pressure is applied. The symptoms for Fibromyalgia include deep muscle pain, fatigue, sleeplessness, and depression. Symptoms may come and go, but the disease is long term and chronic.
Other Types of Arthritis

Anklyosing Spondylitis - a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the spine. The common symptoms include lower back pain and stiffness that lasts for more than a period of three months, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, weight loss, and low-grade fever.

Gout - this disease usually affects the joints of the big toe, but can extend to the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbow. The common symptoms are tenderness, pain, redness, warmth, and swelling of the affected joint.

Infectious Arthritis - this type of arthritis is caused by an infection, and can be caused by both bacterial and viral infections. The onset of infectious arthritis is sudden and the symptoms include swelling of the joint, soreness, warmth, leakage of tissue fluid, fever, and chills.

Cervical arthritis - this type of arthritis affects the upper back and can cause pain in the neck and arms. Cervical arthritis is caused when the cartilage protecting the discs that support the neck deteriorate. The most common symptom of cervical arthritis is chronic neck pain, but can include loss of balance, headaches, muscle weakness, and stiffness.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis - this inflammatory arthritis affects children. The most common symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis are swelling, pain, and stiffness in joints. The symptoms are usually worse in children upon waking in the morning and after a nap. There is no known reason for the onset of arthritis in children and, unlike rheumatoid arthritis in adults, children sometimes outgrow the disease and the symptoms disappear.

These are just some of the many types of arthritis. In general terms, arthritis is any disease that involves inflammation - swelling and pain of the joints or muscles. If you suspect that you suffer from arthritis, you should consult your physician to determine the type of arthritis and learn what treatments are available.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about Types of Arthritis and Arthritis Types and Symptoms. AyurvedicCure.com is the World?s Largest Alternative Health Portal. Participate in Health Questions Q&A http://www.answers.ayurvediccure.com, where you can Ask, Answer and Earn Money! A great opportunity to get help from other people for free!

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