Arthritis is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can manifest as a variety of different types, including inflammatory, autoimmune, and autoinflammatory. To understand the difference between these types of arthritis, it is important to understand the underlying causes.
Autoimmune Arthritis
Autoimmune arthritis is a type of arthritis caused by an overactive immune system. The body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to inflammation and pain in the joints. This type of arthritis is often associated with other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of autoimmune arthritis can include swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.
Autoinflammatory Arthritis
Autoinflammatory arthritis is a type of arthritis caused by a malfunctioning immune system. In this case, the body's immune system does not attack healthy tissue, but instead produces an abnormal amount of inflammation in the joints. This type of arthritis is often seen in certain genetic disorders, such as Familial Mediterranean Fever and Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS). Symptoms of autoinflammatory arthritis can include fever, rash, and joint pain.
In conclusion, arthritis can be caused by both autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions. It is important to speak to your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your arthritis, so that you can receive the appropriate treatment.