Osteoarthritis is perhaps the oldest known form of arthritis. Evidence of this form of arthritis has been found in ice-aged skeletons. It is commonly known as the "wear-and-tear" kind of arthritis and is characterized by breakdown of the joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees and lower back. It causes joint stiffness, pain and loss of movement of the joint involved. It is important that you take an active role in the treatment of your OA and in prevention of additional joint damage. A wide range of surgical and non-surgical options is available for treatment. A careful consultation with your physician accompanied by an individualized treatment plan can ensure a considerable improvement in the quality of life. 

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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can affect other organs in the body in addition to damaging the joints. The chronic disease is associated with inflammation of the lining of the joint, referred to as the synovium. It has been established that aggressive treatment instituted at an early stage is critical in preserving the functionality of the joints. Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Hydroxychloroquine, Cyclosporine, D-penicillamine, biological response modifiers such as TNF-alpha and interleukin-1 are indicated in the treatment. Long-term medical care with regularly scheduled visits is essential for the successful treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Nonpharmacological therapies such as patient education and counseling, rest, exercise, physical therapy, nutrition and diet therapy when taken along with conventional treatment offers symptomatic pain relief in most of the cases.

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The term "Ankylosing" means fusing together and Spondylitis indicates inflammation of the vertebrae. Ankylosing Spondylitis therefore, describes the condition in which some, or all of the joints and bones of the spine fuse together. The disease is more common in men, with nearly three times as many men having it as women. It typically strikes people in their late teens and twenties, with the average age being 24. Some people have virtually no symptoms whereas others suffer more severely. Nearly 40% of people with the condition will develop inflammation of the iris (iritis) or inflammation of the outer wall of the eye, namely the uvea (uveitis) on one or more occasions. A strong association has been documented between the inheritance of Human Leucocyte Antigen B27 (HLA-B27) and the incidence of the disease. Nearly 96% of the patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis share the same genetic cell marker. Paying proper attention to posture, regular exercise and a conscious effort to avoid the stoop associated with the condition, can help in the attainment of a near normal living. 

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Gout accounts for approximately 5 percent of all cases of arthritis and is characterized by deposition of needle shaped uric acid crystals in the connective tissue and bones. This deposition causes swelling, heat, redness, pain and stiffness in the joints leading to inflammatory arthritis. A history of more than one attack of acute arthritis, arthritis developing in 1 day or an attack of arthritis involving only one joint (usually the toe, ankle or knee) should raise the suspicion of gout as the underlying cause. The most common treatments for an acute attack of gout are high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, which are taken orally or injected into the affected joint. Successful treatment can reduce the discomfort and prevent damage to the joints.

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