What is arthritis?
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can affect one joint or multiple joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time, but they may also appear suddenly. Arthritis is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65, but it can also develop in children, teens, and younger adults. Arthritis is more common in women than men and in people who are overweight.
Causes
Cartilage is a firm but flexible connective tissue in your joints. It protects the joints by absorbing the pressure and shock created when you move and put stress on them. A reduction in the normal amount of this cartilage tissue cause some forms of arthritis.
Normal wear and tear causes OA, one of the most common forms of arthritis. An infection or injury to the joints can exacerbate this natural breakdown of cartilage tissue. Your risk of developing OA may be higher if you have a family history of the disease.
Another common form of arthritis, RA, is an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when your bodys immune system attacks the tissues of the body. These attacks affect the synovium, a soft tissue in your joints that produces a fluid that nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the joints.
RA is a disease of the synovium that will invade and destroy a joint. It can eventually lead to the destruction of both bone and cartilage inside the joint.
The exact cause of the immune systems attacks is unknown. But scientists have discovered genetic markers that increase your risk of developing RA fivefold.
Symptoms
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are the most common symptoms of arthritis. Your range of motion may also decrease, and you may experience redness of the skin around the joint. Many people with arthritis notice their symptoms are worse in the morning.
In the case of RA, you may feel tired or experience a loss of appetite due to the inflammation the immune systems activity causes. You may also become anemic meaning your red blood cell count decreases or have a slight fever. Severe RA can cause joint deformity if left untreated.
Diagnosis
Seeing your primary care physician is a good first step if youre unsure who to see for an arthritis diagnosis. They will perform a physical exam to check for fluid around the joints, warm or red joints, and limited range of motion in the joints. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist if needed.
If youre experiencing severe symptoms, you may choose to schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist first. This may lead to a faster diagnosis and treatment.
Extracting and analyzing inflammation levels in your blood and joint fluids can help your doctor determine what kind of arthritis you have. Blood tests that check for specific types of antibodies like anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide), RF (rheumatoid factor), and ANA (antinuclear antibody) are also common diagnostic tests.
Doctors commonly use imaging scans such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scans to produce an image of your bones and cartilage. This is so they can rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as bone spurs.
Treatments
The main goal of treatment is to reduce the amount of pain youre experiencing and prevent additional damage to the joints. Youll learn what works best for you in terms of controlling pain. Some people find heating pads and ice packs to be soothing. Others use mobility assistance devices, like canes or walkers, to help take pressure off sore joints.
Improving your joint function is also important. Your doctor may prescribe you a combination of treatment methods to achieve the best results.
A number of different types of medication treat arthritis:
If you have RA, your doctor may put you on corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which suppress your immune system. There are also many medications to treat OA available over the counter or by prescription.
Surgery to replace your joint with an artificial one may be an option. This form of surgery is most commonly performed to replace hips and knees.
If your arthritis is most severe in your fingers or wrists, your doctor may perform a joint fusion. In this procedure, the ends of your bones are locked together until they heal and become one.
Physical therapy involving exercises that help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint is a core component of arthritis treatment.
Diet and exercise
Weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight reduce the risk of developing OA and can reduce symptoms if you already have it.
Eating a healthy diet is important for weight loss. Choosing a diet with lots of antioxidants, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, can help reduce inflammation. Other inflammation-reducing foods include fish and nuts.
Foods to minimize or avoid if you have arthritis include fried foods, processed foods, dairy products, and high intakes of meat.
Some research also suggests that gluten antibodies may be present in people with RA. A gluten-free diet may improve symptoms and disease progression. A 2015 study also recommends a gluten-free diet for all people who receive a diagnosis of undifferentiated connective tissue disease.
Regular exercise will keep your joints flexible. Swimming is often a good form of exercise for people with arthritis because it doesnt put pressure on your joints the way running and walking do. Staying active is important, but you should also be sure to rest when you need to and avoid overexerting yourself.
At-home exercises you can try include:
Outlook
While theres no cure for arthritis, the right treatment can greatly reduce your symptoms.
In addition to the treatments your doctor recommends, you can make a number of lifestyle changes that may help you manage your arthritis.
Read the original:
Arthritis: Causes, Signs, and Diagnosis - healthline.com
- The Compression Fracture of Thoracic Spine Due to Methotrexate-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report - Cureus - February 15th, 2025
- Rheumatoid arthritis tied to cognitive decline in dementia - Medical Xpress - February 15th, 2025
- Tools and Devices to Improve Life and Mobility With Arthritis - U.S. News & World Report - February 15th, 2025
- Actor Adam Thomas Reveals How 'Eating Nothing But Meat and Eggs' is Easing his Arthritis Pain But These Are the Risks - Men's Health UK - February 15th, 2025
- New insights into the association between arthritis and overactive bladder in NHANES 20052020 - Nature.com - February 15th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market to Hit US$ 79.1 Billion - openPR - February 15th, 2025
- Psoriatic Disease, TNF Inhibitors, and Risk of Major Adverse Events - Medpage Today - February 15th, 2025
- The best treatments for arthritic knees if you want to avoid knee replacement surgery - The Telegraph - February 15th, 2025
- Early Launch Metrics Indicate UCBs Bimzelx (bimekizumab) Poised to Disrupt the U.S. Psoriatic Arthritis Market - GlobeNewswire - February 15th, 2025
- Rosnilimab shows promise in rheumatoid arthritis trial - Investing.com - February 15th, 2025
- 5 foods that keep your joints strong and healthy - Mint - February 15th, 2025
- If You Have Arthritis, This New Makeup Brand Is for You - Money Talks News - February 15th, 2025
- Lower Your Risk Of Rheumatoid Arthritis With These 5 Basic Habits - mindbodygreen - February 15th, 2025
- 'I treat top athletes with arthritis - cupboard staple ingredients are quite effective for pain and swelling' - GB News - February 15th, 2025
- AnaptysBio Whipsaws On Promising Results In Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment - Yahoo - February 15th, 2025
- Rheumatology enters the chat: research projects use AI and collaborative thinking to improve patient care - University of Alberta - February 15th, 2025
- In Patients with HS, a Closer Look at Stigmatization and Perceived Health Status - Medpage Today - February 15th, 2025
- Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Market is Set To Fly High in Years to Come: AbbVie Inc., Amgen Inc., Johnson & - EIN News - February 15th, 2025
- Sandoz Rolls Out Rival Version Of AbbVie's Arthritis Drug Humira - BW Healthcare World - February 15th, 2025
- GSK To Bounce Regulatory Submissions For Experimental Arthritis Drug - BW Healthcare World - February 15th, 2025
- Living With Arthritis: Health Information Basics for You and Your ... - January 27th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take - January 27th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis | Health Topics | NIAMS - January 27th, 2025
- 6 Things to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis - Hartford HealthCare - January 27th, 2025
- MAPK4 inhibits the early aberrant activation of B cells in rheumatoid arthritis by promoting the IRF4-SHIP1 signaling pathway - Nature.com - January 27th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Basics: Overview, Symptoms, and Causes - January 27th, 2025
- 8 Things You Should Do in Your 20s, 30s, and 40s to Prevent Joint Pain Later in Life - Self - January 27th, 2025
- 8 Natural Remedies to Relieve Join Pain and Improve Mobility - Health.com - January 27th, 2025
- East Texas vet tells what to watch for during cold weather in arthritic pets - KTRE - January 27th, 2025
- Research Shows a Link Between Inflammation in the Gut and Rheumatoid Arthritis - Health Central - January 27th, 2025
- Address to the Business Community Attend the Arthritis Foundation Event - TAPinto.net - January 27th, 2025
- The journey of 2-year-old with arthritis - PAHomePage.com - January 27th, 2025
- East Texas vet tells what to watch for during cold weather in arthritic pets - KLTV - January 27th, 2025
- Four tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis in the winter - Yahoo Lifestyle UK - January 27th, 2025
- Living with arthritis: Here's how diet, exercise, and daily habits can ease the pain - Moneycontrol - January 27th, 2025
- Sichuan wildlife park peddles tiger urine, claiming efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis, other conditions - Global Times - January 27th, 2025
- Non-surgical option to ease knee arthritis - The Week - January 27th, 2025
- Ease arthritis pain by adding 1 juice to your diet - Surrey Live - January 27th, 2025
- Four tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis in the winter - Yahoo News UK - January 27th, 2025
- Drinking one juice can ease arthritis pain, studies reveal - Daily Record - January 27th, 2025
- Annual Health Observances | NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) - October 6th, 2024
- Obesity dampens rheumatoid arthritis treatment effectiveness, satisfaction - Healio - October 6th, 2024
- Patient Perspectives: Finding Grace While Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatology Advisor - October 6th, 2024
- Rheumatoid arthritis tied to heavy economic and human burdens - Medical Xpress - October 6th, 2024
- Dual therapy can have synergistic effect in difficult-to-treat inflammatory diseases - Healio - October 6th, 2024
- Hand-Held Scanner Could Transform Cancer and Arthritis Diagnosis - Technology Networks - October 6th, 2024
- Medical imaging breakthrough could transform cancer and arthritis diagnosis - University College London - October 6th, 2024
- Citryll and leading rheumatology centres receive - GlobeNewswire - October 6th, 2024
- Its going to be ubiquitous: Weight loss drugs may aid rheumatic disease treatment - Healio - October 6th, 2024
- Comorbidities Associated With Psoriasis: 5 Things to Know - Medscape - October 6th, 2024
- Opinion: Let's treat arthritis with the seriousness it deserves - Vancouver Sun - October 6th, 2024
- New handheld scanner technology could transform cancer and arthritis diagnosis - The Engineer - October 6th, 2024
- Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis: Functional cartilage regeneration using 3d bioprinting technology - Open Access Government - October 6th, 2024
- Handheld scanner could transform cancer and arthritis diagnosis study - The Independent - October 6th, 2024
- Ankylosing Spondylitis and Self-Care: 6 Science-Backed Tips - Everyday Health - October 6th, 2024
- From a Labrador with arthritis to a goldfishs lifespan your pet queries answered... - The Sun - October 6th, 2024
- 15 Home Essentials That Make Life Easier If You Have Arthritis - HuffPost - September 21st, 2024
- Gout, a painful form of arthritis, is on the rise. Avoiding red meat and alcohol can help. - Yahoo Life - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pain - MedicineNet - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - U.S. News & World Report - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis can flare up in colder weather: Tips to easing the pan - Medical Xpress - September 21st, 2024
- See how Waymo is bringing Arthritis Foundation of Arizona families to the ballpark - ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix - September 21st, 2024
- Prevalence of Loneliness in Inflammatory Arthritis and its Association with Disease Activity - Physician's Weekly - September 21st, 2024
- Psoriatic Arthritis and Gluten: Whats the Link? - Health Central - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Southernminn.com - September 21st, 2024
- 6 Knee Injuries That Can Cause Arthritis - Health News Hub - September 21st, 2024
- The Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Care Tips To Soothe Painful Joints and Improve Mobility - Yahoo Life - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - El Paso Inc. - September 21st, 2024
- Shifting kneecap in kids? Early ligament repair can prevent arthritis in young Age: Experts - The Times of India - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Shelbynews - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Citizentribune - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - News-Daily.com - September 21st, 2024
- Casavant: Access to virtual care at risk for millions of arthritis patients - Daily Independent - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Avery Journal Times - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - The Elkhart Truth - September 21st, 2024
- What To Eat (And Skip) on a Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet To Reduce Painful Inflammation - Woman's World - September 21st, 2024
- Tiny knee bone linked to arthritis may have helped humans walk upright, scientists suggest - Sky News - September 13th, 2024
- Medical Marijuana Helps People With Arthritis And Other Rheumatic Conditions Reduce Use Of Opioids And Other Medications, Study Shows - Marijuana... - September 13th, 2024
- My 'stomach bug' turned out to be an agonising pain condition that left me wheelchair bound within four years - Daily Mail - September 13th, 2024
- Distinct mucosal endotypes as initiators and drivers of rheumatoid arthritis - Nature.com - September 13th, 2024