Integritus Prime

Last week, we looked at risk factors for Osetoarthritis. In this post, we cover some of the other common ones, such as Rheumatoid, Gout, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic and Juvenile.

Our immune system usually produces antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses, so that we can prevent infections. When the same immune system starts attacking healthy body tissues, we develop an autoimmune condition. Rheumatoid and Psoriatic arthritis are commonly associated with autoimmune disorders.

The reason or cause for this trigger is not well understood. Five common autoimmune conditions are Lupus, Sjorgren’s disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis may affect multiple joints and women seem to have a slightly higher risk of this condition. Psoriatic arthritis usually occurs in people who already have the autoimmune skin condition called Psoriasis. However, not all arthritis in a person with Psoriasis is due to the autoimmune condition. They may develop other types of arthritis as well.

Gout is a type of painful inflammatory arthritis due to an accumulation of uric acid crystals in a joint. Commonly one joint at a time may be affected, and usually it’s the big toe. Also, there is a too much uric acid in the blood/body (hyperuricemia). It usually affects men, who may be:

• Overweight,
• Taking certain medications such as diuretics,
• Consuming alcohol regularly – the higher the intake of alcohol, the higher the risk of gouty arthritis,
• Having a diet high in purines, such as:
  • Food and drinks sweetened with sugar, or high fructose corn syrup
  • Alcohol
  • Organ meats like liver, tripe and kidneys
  • Game meat like goose, veal or venison
  • Certain sea foods including scallops, mussels, tuna and cod
  • Red meat
  • Turkey
  • Gravy and sauces that contain meat.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory condition that usually affects the spine. It may start pretty early in life with symptoms of back pain and stiffness, especially while resting or being inactive.  This inflammation may affect other parts of the body as well, hence an early consultation is recommended.

Juvenile Arthritis is the commonest type of arthritis that occurs in children under the age of 16. The exact cause is unknown but it is associated with autoimmune disease. Again, what triggers the autoimmune response is not known. Thankfully Juvenile arthritis is not very common.

The important issue is to be aware of these types of arthritis, take precautions to avoid them and seek medical advice early if any symptoms of the disease exists.