Arthritis is a condition that leads to inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints and the tissues around them. With over 100 varieties, osteoarthritis is the most widespread. Symptoms differ based on the type of arthritis, but common ones include pain, swelling, and stiffness, along with reduced movement in the affected joints. About 58.5 million Americans are estimated to suffer from arthritis.
While the exact cause of many arthritis types remains unknown, several factors can elevate your risk of developing it. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments available to ease pain and slow the deterioration of joint health.
Arthritis encompasses joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, where joints are the meeting points of two bones that allow for movement. Over 100 types of arthritis exist, each with distinct causes.
The most prevalent types include:
– Osteoarthritis (OA): Causes pain or aching in joints like the hips, hands, and knees, along with swelling and stiffness. Over time, it limits movement.
– Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Involves pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling in multiple joints, commonly the hands, wrists, and knees. It might also cause symptoms like weight loss, fever, and fatigue.
– Juvenile Arthritis: Affects children, leading to joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and tiredness. It can interfere with activities like walking and dressing and fluctuates in intensity.
– Gout: Manifests as sudden swelling, redness, and heat, typically in the big toe, ankles, and knees, with symptoms that can come and go.
– Ankylosing Spondylitis: Most commonly causes pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, worsening with inactivity but easing with movement.
– Psoriatic Arthritis: Leads to stiffness, pain, swollen fingers/toes, and sometimes skin patches. It might occur even without visible psoriasis.
– Reactive Arthritis: Results in joint pain, swelling, stiffness, usually affecting one side, often after an infection.
Sadly, researchers can’t pinpoint the cause of every arthritis type. Typically, inflammation in joints leads to bone damage. Some forms, such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, can also impact the eyes, heart, and skin. Some arthritis types have known causes, like gout from excess uric acid or reactive arthritis from certain infections.
Arthritis mostly affects older individuals but can also occur in younger adults and children. It’s typically more prevalent in women. While some risk factors are unavoidable, others can be modified.
To diagnose arthritis, a healthcare provider will consider your full medical and family history, examine your joints for signs of fluid, warmth, redness, or movement issues, and may order further tests. Although there’s no cure for arthritis, treatment aims to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further damage. Each type of arthritis might require specific treatments, but common options include medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent or reduce joint damage. You can also take proactive steps to minimize flare-ups, like avoiding repetitive strains. If you notice joint pain, consult a healthcare provider early to avoid long-term complications. They might refer you to a specialist for further care.
Arthritis can significantly influence everyday activities, leading to persistent pain and movement challenges. Different types may also pose additional long-term health problems. Managing arthritis typically involves medication and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, stress reduction, and good sleep, to help lessen pain and flare-ups. Your doctor can guide you in finding suitable treatments.
