One day last month Karen sent me a text asking me to research the different types of arthritis. I was like okay, vague, but how many types can there be? Both Karen and I were deeply shocked when later I called her and told her what I discovered. There are 150 different types of arthritis. That was no typo. There are 150 different types of arthritis. Who knew? We only hear about Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid. Rheumatoid is the one I have. Anyway, I called her and I told her this news.
Her response, “Are you sh***ing me?”
Me: No I am not. How would you like me to break this down for you?
She and I decided together that we are going to take the time and research all the types of arthritis, but start with the top 3 that she hears about in her clientele and write one big article about the fact that there are 150 different types of arthritis.
Here is what I found out besides how many types of arthritis there are; it’s all about the joints. Joints are designed to absorb the shock, a lot like the shocks in the car, while we are moving. Joints also allow smooth movement between the bones. This is because the end of the bones are covered with an elastic tissue called cartilage that allow support and protection during movement. Under the caps is a tissue called Synovium which produces fluids that lubricate and nourish the cartilage.
With Osteoarthritis the cartilage breaks down causing pain, movement issues, and swelling. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising, as long as it doesn’t put strain on the joints, and muscle strength training, especially thigh muscles will help. Strong muscles support your weight so that the joints are not damaged. It is also important to get enough rest, to help manage your symptoms. I plan on writing more about this at another time.
With Rheumatoid Arthritis it is a completely different issue. Lifestyle changes do not make things better. It’s a chronic autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, and loss of function in the joints because the white blood cells cause inflammation in the synovium. This causes the tissue that lines the walls of the joint to thicken and become swollen and painful to move and serious damage to the body. I will write on this at a later time too.
I plan on writing more on several different types of arthritis such as Psoriatic Arthritis.
What I found out from my research is that there are two categories of arthritis. One is muscular disease and the other is autoimmune disease. Muscular disease types of arthritis can be made better by lifestyle changes. Autoimmune disease will not be made better with lifestyle changes, although, in my opinion lifestyle changes are good for both. Just because I have RA (an autoimmune disease type of arthritis) it does not give me license to gain a ton of weight and stop moving my body.
Here are some tips I’d like to share with you:
- First, if you suspect that you have any type of arthritis go to your primary doctor and ask to go to a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is your best ally as you maneuver through your arthritis.
- Eat well. No matter what type of arthritis you have, eating well helps your mind, body, and soul. Eat real food and find an eating plan that works for you. Karen is a good resource for anyone to find the right eating plan that will work for you.
- Move your body. Focus on strength training, building strong muscles especially in the leg and thighs will help your body become stronger and the pain to lessen if you have osteoarthritis. If you have an autoimmune arthritis like I do, building strong muscle and moving your body will help not only your body but also your mental health.
- Find support, from family members, friends, doctors, or a wellness trainer like Karen at Wellness Works NW. Contact Karen today to set up your free consultation.
Have a question? Ask Dear Jamie
Here are some links I would like to share with you:
- ArthritisCare.org
- Arthritis Foundation: Types of Arthritis
Jamie Holloway
lives in the Portland, Oregon area. Since October 2011 she has been sharing her Journey Toward Health and Wellness with Vasculitis through her blog at JamieChasesButterflies.com. As most of her articles will be about Men’s Health, Jamie intends to write her articles as though she was sharing important information with her brother, nephews and friends. We hope you are as inspired as we are with the raw candor Jamie uses in her writing. If you would like to help support Jamie’s writing efforts please Donate now.
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