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Arthritis is most commonly associated with joint pains in old people. However, this is but one of the manifestations of this condition. Arthritis is a generic name for more than a hundred different conditions associated with the musculoskeletal system. It includes minor ailments such as tendonitis and severe conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus. In order to effectively treat arthritic conditions it is necessary to first identify the type of arthritis that afflicts a patient. Let us look at some of the different types of arthritis that manifest themselves in people.

• Osteoarthritis: Most people associate arthritis with old age. In fact this form of arthritis is but one of the many manifestations of this condition. Osteoarthritis generally affects people in their advanced years and affects the spine, hips, knees, base of the thumbs, and feet. It is most common in women post menopause.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Another form of arthritis that affects the elderly is polymyalgia rheumatica. It manifests itself in the form of severe stiffness and aching in the neck, shoulders, and hips.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Another common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis is fairly serious and affects approximately one per cent of the world population. If it is left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to an early death.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is so called because it inevitably develops in patients who have psoriasis. This for of arthritis develops slowly over the year, but can nevertheless, cause serious problems if it is not detected and treated in time.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It most commonly manifests itself in the form of pain in the lower back. It can be easily cured with proper treatment, provided that it is correctly detected and diagnosed.
• Reactive arthritis - This type of arthritis comes about as a reaction to infections. It most commonly occurs after intestinal or genitourinary infections. Reactive arthritis is very prevalent in young adults.
• Gout: Gout is nothing but another form of arthritis. It is caused due to the deposition of monosodium urate crystals. Gout affects the limbs as well as the kidneys.
• Pseudogout: Pseudogout is a type of arthritis that is so called because it mimics the symptoms of gout or rheumatoid arthritis. It is caused due to the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: This is another virulent form of arthritis that affects many of the vital internal organs and can lead to death. Systemic lupus erythematosus is most common among women in their child-bearing years.
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a type of arthritis that is cause due to a neurotransmitter malfunction in the brain. Due to the malfunctioning neurotransmitters, this condition manifests itself with many bizarre symptoms.

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