Inflammatory Arthritis
Inflammatory forms of arthritis usually involve many joints throughout the body at the same time and is caused by a problem with the immune system becoming overactive, resulting in joint inflammation. Arthritis caused by inflammation often results in pain and stiffness after periods of rest or inactivity, particularly in the morning. Swelling, redness and warmth may be present in the affected joints. Other areas in the body can be affected by the inflammation as well, including the skin and internal organs such as the lungs and heart.
Although there are several major differences between inflammatory arthritis (IA) and osteoarthritis (OA), a major distinction is that osteoarthritis most commonly presents after the age of 50 and increases in frequency with age, while inflammatory arthritis tends to affect people of all ages, often striking people in their peak working and child-rearing age.
The major types of inflammatory arthritis include the following:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Gout and Pseudogout
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Lyme Disease
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lessInflammatory arthritis is usually treated with a combination of medications to relieve swelling and pain while regulating the immune system. As with osteoarthritis, joint replacement surgery should also be considered when these non-surgical methods have failed to provide lasting benefit.
When detected and treated early, arthritis can be halted in its tracks. The Gosden Robinson Inflammatory Arthritis Center connects patients quickly and efficiently with a rheumatologist who can evaluate their joint pain and get each patient started on an appropriate course of treatment. Hospital for Special Surgery also offers specialized patient education and support programs for conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
If detected and treated in its early stages, the effects of inflammatory arthritis can be greatly diminished and the condition may even disappear completely. The importance of proper diagnosis, particularly in the early stages of the disease, may prevent serious, lifelong arthritic complications.
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