Identifying Seronegative Arthritis

Seronegative arthritis is an umbrella term for several forms of arthritis that resemble rheumatoid arthritis, but without the presence of rheumatoid factor or RF-factor. In addition, this form of arthritis typically affects different joints from rheumatoid arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis usually affects smaller joints in the hands, feet, ankes and wrists, while seronegative arthritis tends to affect larger joints, including the spinal column.The presence of this form of arthritis can be difficult to diagnose for different reasons, but mainly because of the similarity of symptoms with rheumatoid arthritis. Correct diagnosis and identification of the specific form of seronegative arthritis is necessary, however, in order to get proper treatment of the disease.While non-professional diagnosis is not advised, specially if it will dictate specific treatment, awareness of the different forms of seronegative arthritis and how to spot them can help in proper diagnosis. Here are the most common forms of seronegative arthritis.Psoriatic arthritis: this form of seronegative arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that develops in up to thirty percent of people with the chronic skin disorder psoriasis. Digits of the hands and feet are often affected, often becoming swollen and sausage-like. Treatment of psoriatic arthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in that anti-inflammatory medications are administered initially, followed by joint injections or immuno-suppresants if the disease continues to progress. Severe joint damage may be treated with surgery to repair or replace the joint.Reactive arthritis: this is also known as Reiter's syndrome, and is an autoimmune condition that develops as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body. Diagnosis is difficult, because in many cases the infection that caused the reactive arthritis may have been cured or in remission. Inflammatory arthritis may affect the knee and the back, and there may be inflammation in the eyes as well as urethritis or cervicitis. Skin lesions which resemble psoriasis may also develop, which can further make diagnosis more confusing.Ankylosing spondylitis: is a chronic inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease that commonly affects the joints in the spine, and the sacroiliac joint in the pelvis. Untreated, this can result in the fusion of the spine, resulting in complete rigidity. This form of arthritis is typically found in young males, though women may also be affected. When at rest, the individual may feel more pain than when undergoing physical activity, though inflammation and pain are usually common regardless of movement.Other forms of seronegative arthritis do exist, each generally identifiable because of symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis. While less common, they are no less destructive than these forms of arthritis, and proper diagnosis is essential in order to receive correct treatment for the specific form of arthritis.Seronegative Arthritis is just one of the many destructive forms of arthritis that can affect people today. Learn more about seronegative arthritis and the natural methods to treat it by checking out ArthritisNaturalRemedies.com.