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Symmetric vs. asymmetric arthritis: What to know

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Symmetric vs. asymmetric arthritis: What to know

Symmetric vs. asymmetric arthritis: What to know

Arthritis is swelling of one or more joints in the body. Different types of arthritis can affect the body symmetrically or asymmetrically.

Symmetrical arthritis affects the same joints on both sides of the body, such as the knees and wrists. Asymmetric arthritis affects joints on one side of the body.

There are many other types and symptoms of arthritis, treatment may vary slightly depending on the type of arthritis patients have.

Learn about the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical arthritis in this article. We diagnose and treat.

The difference

Parallel and asymmetrical arthritis refers to which side of the body the arthritis affects.

People with symmetrical arthritis have mirror joint symptoms on both sides of the body.

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For example, a person with bilateral knee arthritis will have symptoms in both knees at the same time.

People with asymmetric arthritis affect joints on one side of the body, such as the knee and wrist.

Type

The cause of arthritis can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory.

It is usually the result of an underlying problem, such as an autoimmune disease. Non-inflammatory arthritis often has a physical cause, such as joint damage or tears.

Joint

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a parallel inflammatory form of arthritis. Balance is a key factor in the diagnosis of this autoimmune disease.

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However, a person may not have symptoms bilaterally at the onset of the disease. As the disease progresses, it becomes symmetrical.

It can affect any joint, but the most common symptoms are:

  • weapons
  • wrist
  • the ankle
  • the leg
  • collect
  • the chin
  • the elbow
  • the shoulder
  • Embankment
  • Osteoarthritis

Non-inflammatory erosive arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, often causes asymmetric symptoms.

Symptoms are most common in the spine and accessory joints such as the knee and hip, but can occur in any joint.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PSA) is an inflammatory arthritis. However, it can cause both symmetrical and asymmetrical symptoms, which distinguish it from other types of arthritis.

In general, people with PsA show asymmetric symptoms. The authors of the 2015 study found this to be the case for 53.1% of study participants.

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PsA is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks healthy cells in the joints, ligaments and skin.

Other areas associated with psoriatic arthritis include:

It is spondylitis

Spondylitis causes inflammation of the spine. You can experience symptoms anywhere on the spine, such as the back of the neck or a ridge.

Severe spondylitis can make it very painful or impossible to move the vertebrae together or perform certain movements.

Remote interfaces dominate.

Distal interphalangeal dominance (DIP) affects the fingertips and small joints of the feet.

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The nails change color and shape, and symptoms may appear on the fingers and toes. Fingernails and toenails can be rough and ridged.

Fracture arthritis

Pernicious arthritis is a rare but debilitating form of psoriatic arthritis. It destroys small bones in the arms, legs, spine and spine. It can cause severe pain and permanent disfigurement.

The evaluation

It may take time for a doctor to diagnose the exact form of arthritis, but an accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment. Doctors ask people about their symptoms, including where they occur.

To diagnose PsA, doctors examine the skin for signs of psoriasis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 85% of people with psoriasis have skin lesions in front of their joints.

Doctors also use imaging tests to diagnose arthritis by examining joints, bones and other structures. These tests may include:

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  • Do the x-rays
  • CT scan
  • nuclear magnetic resonance
  • during an ultrasound

X-rays and CT scans can help doctors examine structures such as bones. Doctors use MRI and ultrasound to detect inflammation or degeneration of the soft connective tissue in the joints.

Treatment

Although there is currently no cure for arthritis, treatment is essential to help slow the progression of arthritis and manage symptoms. Getting the right treatment can greatly improve a person’s quality of life.

Treatment often includes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which can slow the progression of joint damage and help control symptoms.

Doctors can also recommend targeted biologics, which target the immune system to change the course of the disease.

Corticosteroids can also help control inflammation quickly while other medications are working.

Home Remedies

Many doctors will prescribe home remedies as part of an arthritis treatment plan. These may include:

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Painkillers: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help control pain and inflammation.

Rest: Resting injured joints is important, especially if they feel stiff or swollen.

Exercise: Low-impact exercise, such as swimming or cycling, can help strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility.

Hot and cold packs: Hot packs can help relieve stiff joints and muscles, while cold packs can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Eat a healthy diet: Certain foods, including fast food and processed foods, can trigger or worsen inflammation.

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Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the impact on the affected joints

Index

Symmetry and asymmetry are terms that describe how arthritis affects the body.

Symmetrical arthritis affects the same joints on both sides of the body, whereas asymmetrical arthritis affects one or more joints on one side.

Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the arthritis. Some people use home remedies to manage their symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms of arthritis should seek medical attention. Anyone with psoriasis should talk to a doctor to discuss the possibility of developing psoriatic arthritis and early treatment.

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