Arthritis is a disease that can qualify you for Social Security. It is the catchall name for more than 100 different diseases that affect the joints causing joint pain and loss of mobility. Here are some of the different types of arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, most common from middle age onward. It causes pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system – which normally protects its health by attacking foreign substances like bacteria and viruses – mistakenly attacks the joints. …Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects the joints of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis— a condition that features red patches of skin topped with silvery scales. Most people develop psoriasis first and are later diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, but the joint problems can sometimes begin before skin lesions appear.
- Osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, a rare but serious condition. Bones can become infected in a number of ways: Infection in one part of the body may spread through the bloodstream into the bone, or an open fracture or surgery may expose the bone to infection.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus): Lupus is a disease of the immune system. Normally, the immune system protects the body from infection. In lupus, however, the immune system inappropriately attacks tissues in various parts of the body. This abnormal activity leads to tissue damage and illness.
- Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
- Reiter’s Syndrome: Reiter’s syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, is the classic triad of conjunctivitis, urethritis, and arthritis occurring after an infection, particularly those in the urogenital or gastrointestinal tract.
If in fact you or someone you care for are struggling with arthritis to the point where your/their ability to work has been compromised, contact Ellis & Associates at 1-800-Mr. Ellis for advice as to whether Social Security disability benefits may be an appropriate resource to pursue.