Arthritis, the leading cause of disability among adults in the U.S., is not a single disease.
It’s an informal way of referring to joint pain or disease. According to moderate estimates, about 54 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and it is more common in women (26 percent) than in men (18 percent).
The risk of arthritis increases with age: more than a third of adults with arthritis in the U.S. are 65 years of age or older.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions.
Common types of arthritis
Osteoarthritis (or degenerative): associated with the wear and tear of cartilage, causing bones to rub together when the joint moves.
Rheumatoid (or inflammatory): the immune system attacks the joints with uncontrolled inflammation.
Infectious: a bacterium or virus enters the joint and causes inflammation.
Lupus: the immune system.
Common types
Osteoarthritis (or degenerative): associated with the wear and tear of cartilage, causing bones to rub together when the joint moves.
Rheumatoid (or inflammatory): the immune system attacks the joints with uncontrolled inflammation.
Infectious: a bacterium or virus enters the joint and causes inflammation.
Lupus: the immune system attacks tissues and organs.
Fibromyalgia: pain in the muscles and soft tissues.
Gout: the buildup of uric acid causes intense pain.
Causes
A combination of family history and physical activity can lead to different forms of arthritis.
Risk factors include:
Being overweight or obese.
Having a history of serious infections or joint injuries.
Having a job that requires repetitive movements.
Symptoms
Arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and/or swelling in the joints. These symptoms can be mild and continuous or severe and sudden. Arthritis can also cause other seemingly unrelated problems, such as fatigue or a rash.
Diagnosis and screening for arthritis
Diagnosing arthritis is difficult due to the number of different types and possible symptoms.
If you have symptoms of joint pain, you should consult a doctor for evaluation. Your primary care provider (PCP) will examine you for some of the most common forms of arthritis and may refer you to a rheumatologist or an orthopedist.
A rheumatologist is a specialist and will conduct a thorough evaluation of your joints. An orthopedist is a joint specialist and will assess the physical or mechanical causes of your joint pain to determine if you need surgery, such as a knee or hip replacement.
You may also undergo some tests. X-rays are the most common method for examining joints.
Your doctors may also use ultrasound or MRI, which can identify structural problems, cartilage loss, soft tissue tears, or bone fragmentation.
You may also need a blood test to evaluate inflammation levels, the presence of antibodies to prevent infections, and how well your liver and kidneys are functioning.
Treatment for arthritis
Your doctor will likely recommend some things you can do at home, such as using heat and cold to relieve pain, resting the joint regularly, and protecting it from strain and overuse.
Arthritis cannot be cured, but early detection and treatment can help improve your quality of life.
You can delay the most damaging effects of joint pain if you:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Follow a moderate daily exercise plan.
Avoid activities that could cause injuries.
Avoid excessive and repetitive use of the joints.
Treatment options also vary depending on the type of arthritis you have.
Most treatment options focus on managing pain and minimizing joint damage.
You may need:
Medications.
Physical or occupational therapy.
Braces, splints, or other joint protectors.
Weight loss.
Alternative care, such as acupuncture.
Surgery.
More information about this disease
If you want to see more data on arthritis, participate in the Arthritis Patient Education Program “LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE AND MANAGE YOUR ARTHRITIS,” which will provide important tips for managing your arthritis pain and living with a better quality of life.
The talk is VIRTUAL on September 24 at 6:30 p.m., is COMPLETELY FREE, and in Spanish. You must register by visiting: https://joinus.arthritis.org/spanish.
You can also write to marmitage@arthritis.org or call (407) 917-6978.
Visit the Arthritis Foundation® website: https://www.arthritis.org/
Image: Occident
