Arthritis is a general name for diseases in which inflammation or other pathological processes affect the joints. The disease can manifest in completely different parts of the body. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
It is the location of the affected joints that can become an important clue for the doctor when making a diagnosis. This was stated by rheumatologist Sadykhan Dana Valikhanovna on her social media.
"Each of the arthritides has its own 'signature'. The distribution of joint damage is a reflection of the mechanisms underlying each disease," the rheumatologist writes.
Gout
Gout usually begins with the joint of the big toe. The disease is associated with the accumulation of uric acid in the body and the formation of its crystals in the joints.
As the rheumatologist explained, uric acid crystals are more easily deposited at lower temperatures. Therefore, joints located farther from the heart are more often affected.
Osteoarthritis
In osteoarthritis, joints that experience significant mechanical stress are more often affected. First of all, these are the knee and hip joints, as well as some joints of the hands.
In this case, the distribution of damage is largely related to the load on the joint and gradual changes in its tissues.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by symmetry. For example, the joints of the fingers on both hands can be affected simultaneously.
First of all, the disease affects the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. According to the doctor, this is due to inflammation of the synovial membrane — the inner lining of the joint, which is well represented in these areas.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis, on the contrary, often manifests asymmetrically — for example, inflammation can occur only on one side.
In this disease, the entire finger can become inflamed at once. This condition is called dactylitis, or colloquially "sausage finger".
In addition, psoriatic arthritis can cause enthesitis — inflammation at the sites where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. Another characteristic area of damage is the distal interphalangeal joints, located closest to the fingertips.
Thus, the location of the lesion can give the doctor important information about the possible cause of the disease. However, location alone is not enough for self-diagnosis — the rheumatologist also takes into account the nature of the pain, tests, and examination results.
Earlier, Kursiv Health reported on carpal tunnel syndrome, which is characterized by numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand.
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