There are many types of arthritis, there are over one hundred different types and in some cases there is swelling present, however in others there is no swelling. The word arthritis is derived from the Greek word arthron, which translates to the word joint, and itis, which means inflammation. Arthritis is also often thought of as a disease of the aged, this is a misconception as there are forms of arthritis that can affect humans of any age.

Most people have heard of certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or fibromyalgia as they tend to be the most common forms. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is an inflammatory type. This type of arthritis is an inflammation of the linings of joints and affects the hands and wrists as well as the ankles and feet as well as other joints like the knees, hips, elbows and shoulders. There can often be signs of redness, swelling, heat and pain with rheumatoid arthritis.

When there is a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis it means that white blood cells including what are known as T cells and B cells, along with polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages and certain lymphocytes are over active. This is what causes the inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is also an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system is attacking other parts of the body.

This type of arthritis can not only affects the joints, it also has the ability to affect internal organs like the lungs, heart and eyes.

Osteoarthritis is another common form of arthritis; the cause of it is the breakdown of cartilage, the material that protects the ends of the bones that may break off and cause pain or swelling. In many cases the cartilage, which is an elastic type of material, will completely erode allowing the bones to rub together. The erosion of cartilage can occur in any bone but this tends to affect the knees, hips, hands and spine. Cartilage is made up from two components, cells called chondrocytes and the matrix. The chondrocytes sit in the matrix and the matrix is made of collagen and proteoglycans. Prior to the development of osteoarthritis there is a chemical change in which there is a decrease in the amount of chondrcytes, along with proteoglycan and collagen. This leaves the cartilage to soften and crack. The cracks are called fibrillations and this is the cartilage that will erode over time. To add to this, are cells within the joint lining that begin to produce enzymes and cytokines that also help to destroy the cartilage and the joint.

This type of arthritis is classified as a non-inflammatory arthritis meaning that it is not a form that causes swelling, which has been found to be incorrect. As Osteoarthritis develops in a joint the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber over time becomes thin and rough and the bone thickens. When thickening of the bones occurs it allows them to form bumps that are referred to as spurs, these spurs are called osteophytes. The joints can loose their shape; the muscles associated with them weaken from lack of use. This can cause the joint can stop working properly.

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