Types of Arthritis
 Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The three most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. We will discuss them one by one.  1. OSTEOARTHRITIS It is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide.  It occurs when the cartilage wears down over time.  Cartilage is the protective cushions at the ends of your bones. Osteoarthritis can damage any joint in the body. And it most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. Four Stages of Osteoarthritis. Stage 1 – Minor. Patients will develop very minor wear and tear at the end of the knee joints.  However, at this stage it is unlikely you will feel pain or discomfort. The doctor at this stage may not recommend any special treatment. However, he may recommend glucosamine supplements. Moreover, you may be advised lifestyle changes like regular exercise. Stage 2 – Mild. The diagnostic images or x-rays of knee joints will show more bone spur growth. The patient will begin experiencing joint pain.  The area around the knee joints will feel stiff. In fact it is more when sitting for long periods, after rising in the morning, or after exercise. The doctor will prescribe therapies to relieve the pain and discomfort caused in this mild stage. Exercise and strength training is recommended to many patients. Read the full article
