Autoimmune Arthritis*

IAAM Defines Autoimmune Arthritis as:
Chronic, systemic, inflammatory autoimmune diseases primarily affecting the joints.
They are caused by a malfunctioning immune system.  While joint involvement is a primary factor, because they are systemic (whole body) they also affect the connective and soft tissues and even organs.

*IAAM has partnered with a team of Rheumatologists to determine which diseases should be classified as "Autoimmune Arthritis" based on the definition above.  The list of diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Sjogren's Syndrome (SS), Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE), Still's Disease, Juvenile Arthritis (JA), Mixed and Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Diseases (MCTD/UCTD) .


Autoimmune Arthritis conditions are classified, according to IAAM, as autoimmune diseases that are often confused with the more common, degenerative arthritis.  Autoimmune Arthritis is not caused by general wear and tear, age or injury. It is not the same general condition often associated with the elderly, or that 1 in 3 of all people will experience at some point in their lives.  It is not curable, although can go into remission.  Because it is systemic, the extensive pain, nausea and fatigue cannot be completely pacified with over-the-counter medications. In some variations of these illnesses, can cause complete disability in 50% of patients within 10 years from diagnosis.  Because the average age of onset is 20-40's (not including the juvenile versions), young disability has become a major issue that requires immediate attention.   


Autoimmune Arthritis is caused by a faulty immune system, whereas "common" arthritis is caused by degeneration of the joints.  Autoimmune Arthritis is systemic, which means the whole body is affected.  In these diseases, although the joints are primarily affected, it can include inflammation in connective tissues as well as involve the organs. For example, many patients with Autoimmune Arthritis may suffer from costochondritis (inflammation of the connective tissues between the ribs) or from migraines (inflammation of tissues) because the core of the disease is, systemic inflammation.  The inflammation can occur in several other areas, such as under the skin as well as in the lungs and the pericardium (the protective sac that surrounds the heart).
Because it is not localized due to wear and tear or excessive pressure placed in one area, pain can present itself at any time (even in sleep or at rest) and in a variety of locations that may change without warning. In addition to pain these diseases are often paired with systemic symptoms such as fever, nausea and major, debilitating fatigue. 

In popularized, common "arthritis" the affect is localized, meaning it occurs in a specific location because the cartilage has been worn away.  This type of arthritis is not an autoimmune disease and does not cause systemic involvement or symptoms.

Another major difference between "arthritis" and Autoimmune Arthritis is the means of diagnosis.  With common arthritis, pain is felt after damage has occurred, because the damage is a result of the wearing away of cartilage.  In Autoimmune Arthritis, pain is 1st felt often years before any damage is visible.  The onset of inflammation often is described as feeling like an injury, such as a sprain, and therefore is sometimes treated as such (especially if it is early in the disease and blood work and damage is not yet registering.   Unfortunately, any damage that does occur from this excessive inflammation is permanent and it cannot be reversed (unless surgery is performed).  There are medicines and therapies available to lessen the inflammation and fight to quiet the disease.  To learn more about these options, visit our Wellness page.

There are over 100 separate strands of arthritis and autoimmune diseases.  Considered some of the most serious in each category, few diseases are categorized as Autoimmune Arthritis.


Awareness Note:  If someone says, "I have arthritis" ask them which kind.  There is nothing worse for someone with Autoimmune Arthritis to hear the response, "Oh, me too!  I have it in my knee."  Osteoarthritis and Autoimmune Arthritis are very different.  Educate yourself today!


            
 

*Based on our current research, there is no such "official classification" designating diseases as "autoimmune arthritis".  It is, however, a term coined by IAAM in an attempt to bring together a group of arthritis diseases that share similar traits, symptoms, treatments, and onset.  

Due to the lack of any scientific classification standards, we have developed a punch list of criteria we have used to designate a true "Autoimmune Arthritis".  This includes, but is not limited to primary joint involvement in 90%+ of all reported cases, autoimmune, inflammatory, systemic (full body)-involving connective and soft tissues and sometimes organs, fatigue/nausea/fevers, similar treatment plans.  As of this point in time, the Rheumatology Board and IAAM has chosen to only include those diseases that are thought to be genetic and or environmentally/trauma induced.  Infectious diseases are not included. The term "Autoimmune Arthritis" is pending international trademark, circa use in commerce 2010.

 We are continuing to research and investigate other diseases that may fall under our classification criteria.  If you would like to submit a disease you feel meets all of the current classification criteria listed above, we'd be happy to hear from you at info@IAAMovement.org.