After osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), four other major types of arthritis are systemic lupus erythematosis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and fibromyalgia.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) – This form of arthritis mainly affects women. It develops in the skin, internal organs and joints.
Ankylosing Spondylitis – This form or arthritis affects the spine and can also affect the ankles, knees, lungs, heart, shoulders and eyes.
Gout – This is a painful affliction mainly for men, about one million of them in the United States alone. Uric acid build up, due to an internal chemical malfunction, forms crystals that get stuck in a joint, generally the big toe, and become inflamed.
Fibromyalgia – This is a syndrome predominately characterized by muscular pains and fatigue. The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown; however researchers hypothesize that genetics and, physical and emotional stressors are possible contributory factors to the development of the illness.
