What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. It is commonly caused by inflammation in the joint lining, which can also lead to redness, warmth, and loss of movement. Over time, arthritis can severely damage the affected joints. There are various types of arthritis, each with different causes, and some forms may affect people of all ages. Certain types of arthritis can also cause damage to other organs beyond the joints.

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Who Is at Risk for Developing Arthritis?

  • Osteoarthritis is more common in older adults but can also develop in athletes due to joint overuse or injury.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is more prevalent in women than men and typically develops in individuals over 40 years old.

What Causes Arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms usually arise from joint damage caused by injury or overuse. The specific cause varies by type and may result from:

  • Excessive wear and tear on the joint (as in osteoarthritis)
  • An immune system disorder where the body attacks its own joints (as in autoimmune arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis)

What Are the Most Common Types of Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis, caused by the gradual wearing down of cartilage that cushions the bones in a joint. It typically affects the fingers, knees, lower back, and hips. Treatment often includes medication, exercise, and physical therapy.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and pain. It can also affect organs such as the skin, eyes, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. More common in women, it usually develops after age 40.

Gout

Caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to crystal formation in the joints and tissues. This causes sudden, intense pain, swelling, and redness, most often in the big toe, but can also affect feet, ankles, knees, and hands.

Psoriatic Arthritis

A form of autoimmune arthritis affecting people with psoriasis, a skin condition with red, scaly patches. It causes joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain, commonly affecting fingers, toes, feet, and the lower back.

What Are the Symptoms Associated with Arthritis?

Common symptoms include:

  • Joint pain
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness

Depending on the arthritis type, patients may also experience:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Dry eyes and mouth

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis varies by arthritis type but generally involves:

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Joint fluid analysis
  • Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans
  • Arthroscopy to directly view joint damage in some cases

How Can Arthritis Be Treated?

Treatment options depend on the arthritis type and severity, including:

  • Medications to control pain, reduce inflammation, and slow joint damage
  • Exercise and physical therapy to maintain joint flexibility
  • Surgery to repair tendons or replace damaged joints in severe cases
  • Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, healthy diet, and regular exercise
  • Heat and cold therapy to relieve pain and swelling
  • Assistive devices like canes or walkers to improve mobility