Arthritis is known by many as the leading cause of disability of people at the age group of 55 and over. Although not as prevalent in young people as compared in older people, there is still a high probability that young men and women could be affected by this condition. Even the pediatric age can also be affected. There are many types of arthritis, depending upon the symptoms and characteristics exhibited by the condition. Arthritis is classified into three types: primary types of arthritis, secondary types of arthritis, and diseases that mimic arthritis.

Everyone is familiar with the primary types of arthritis, but it is also important to know also about the secondary ones. These kinds of arthritis are caused or triggered by another disease. These are kinds of arthritis that we should be aware of: psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, Henoch-schonlein Purpura, hiomochromatosis, Wegener’s Granulmatosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, systematic lupus erythematosus, and Familial Mediterranean Fever. Each of these types of arthritis has preceding illnesses, like fever, malaise, and myalgias. A few of these types of arthritis are very difficult to treat because their causes are still unknown. Examples of arthritis that have no known causes are systematic lupus erythematosus and Henoch-schonlein Purpura. Because the cause of the condition is unknown, treatment is limited only to the symptoms exhibited.
Treatments for these kinds of arthritis are also directed to the trigger disease and the arthritic condition as well, except for Systematic lupus erythematosus and Henoch-Schonlein Purpura, where treatment is directed only at the symptoms. Like the primary forms of arthritis, treatment will vary, depending on the type of the condition. However, there are some common treatments that can be applied to all. Examples of these common treatments are: physical exercise of the affected joint, dietary treatment, weight control, and application of marine oil therapy on affected joints.

One should not also forget that some of these other diseases mimic other diseases. SLI or systematic lupus erythematosus is one of these. The first sign of symptoms should not be ignored, most especially if you have SLI in your family history.

If you think you have secondary types of arthritis, do not be afraid to go see your doctor. In fact, this is the first thing that you should do. Always be mindful that arthritis is a painful malady that limits your movement. Your actions will become limited and there will be difficulty with mobility. Submit yourself to medical tests and examinations; otherwise, it might be too late.