Arthropathy is a broad term used to describe any disease or disorder affecting the joints. It is derived from the Greek words "arthro," meaning joint, and "pathos," meaning disease or disorder. Arthropathy can refer to a variety of conditions that involve joint inflammation, degeneration, or damage, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
There are several types of arthropathy, including:
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthropathy, characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. It often occurs with aging or as a result of joint injury and can affect any joint in the body, commonly the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and joint damage. It typically affects the small joints of the hands and feet, but can also involve larger joints.
Gout: Gout is a type of arthropathy caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It commonly affects the big toe, but can also involve other joints. Gout attacks are characterized by sudden and severe pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint.
Infectious arthritis: This form of arthropathy occurs when a joint becomes infected, often by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can cause joint inflammation, pain, swelling, and fever.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis refers to a group of chronic arthropathies that affect children and adolescents. It is characterized by joint inflammation lasting for at least six weeks and can lead to joint damage and growth problems.
Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthropathy that can occur in individuals with psoriasis, a skin condition. It typically involves joint inflammation, skin lesions, nail changes, and sometimes affects the spine.
