Arthritis affects the joints, the areas where your bones meet and move. Arthritis is inflammation and degeneration (breakdown of the joints). These changes can lead to pain in the joints.
The following areas are the most common for arthritis:
- Feet.
- Hands.
- Hips.
- Knees.
- Lower back
What are the components of a joint?
Soft tissues cushion and support your joints, preventing them from rubbing against one another. An important role is played by articular cartilage, a connective tissue. It allows your joints to move freely without pain or friction.
A synovial membrane is a cushioned pocket of fluid that cushions joints. Tendons and ligaments support many joints, including your knees. Tendons link your bones to your muscles, and ligaments connect bones.
What are the various types of arthritis?
Arthritis can be described as a wide range of joint conditions that includes more than 100. These are the most common forms of arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear”, is a condition in which joint cartilage becomes damaged from repeated stress. This is the most common type of arthritis.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis, or Arthritis of the Spine (usually in your lower back).
- Juvenile Arthritis (JA) is a condition where the immune system attacks tissue around joints. JA is most common in children aged 16 and younger.
- A condition that causes hard crystals to form in your joints.
- The condition of psoriasis, which causes skin irritation, is called joint inflammation.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes your immune system to attack the synovial membranes of your joints.
What is the prevalence of arthritis?
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America. It affects approximately 50 million people and 300,000.
SYMPTOMS & CAUSES
What causes arthritis?
Different forms of arthritis can have different causes. Gout, for example, is caused by too many uric acids in the body. The exact cause of other forms of arthritis is not known. You may develop arthritis if you:
- Are you a member of a family with arthritis?
- Do you have a job, or are you a part of a sport that places repetitive stress on your joints?
- Certain autoimmune diseases and viral infections.
What are the risk factors for developing arthritis?
You are more likely to get arthritis if you have the following factors:
- The risk of developing arthritis as you age is
- Lifestyle Smoking and a lack thereof can increase your chance of developing arthritis.
- Sex: Most types of arthritis are more common among women.
- Obesity: Adverse effects on the joints can cause arthritis.
What are the signs and symptoms of arthritis?
Different forms of arthritis can have different symptoms. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others might feel more severe. It could be temporary or permanent. These are some common symptoms:
- Pain.
- Redness.
- Stiffness.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Warmth.
DIAGNOSIS AND TEST
What is the best way to diagnose arthritis?
Your healthcare provider should be consulted if you suspect you might have arthritis. Your symptoms will be discussed with your provider to determine how your joint pain affects your daily life. The provider may perform a physical exam that could include:
- Assessment of mobility and range motion in your joints.
- You should check for tenderness and swelling around your joints.
- Assess your overall health and determine if there is a problem.
Can imaging exams detect arthritis?
An imaging exam can give your healthcare provider a clear picture of your bones, joints, and soft tissues. An X-ray or MRI, as well as an ultrasound, can help you see:
- Joint pain may be caused by bone fractures and dislocations
- Cartilage can break down around your joints.
- Injuries to muscles, ligaments or tendons near your joints.
- Soft tissue inflammation.
Is it possible to detect arthritis by a blood test?
It is not possible to detect arthritis with a blood test. However, if your healthcare provider suspects you have gout or rheumatoid disease, they might order bloodwork. It checks for uric acid and inflammatory proteins.
MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT
What is the best way to treat arthritis?
Although there is no cure for arthritis (or any other condition), there are ways to manage it. The severity of your arthritis, the symptoms you experience, and your overall health will all affect the treatment plan.
Non-surgical (conservative) treatments include:
- Pain medication: Anti-inflammatory or pain medications can help with arthritis symptoms. Biologics are medications that target the immune system’s inflammatory response. Your healthcare provider might recommend biologics to treat your psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy can improve strength, mobility and range of motion. The therapists can help you adjust your daily activities to reduce arthritic pain.
- Therapeutic injections Cortisone shots can temporarily relieve joint pain and inflammation. Arthritis in certain joints, such as your knee, may improve with viscosupplementation treatment. It injects lubricant into the joints to make them move more smoothly.
What if I have arthritis and need surgery?
Most healthcare providers will only recommend surgery for severe cases of arthritis. These cases are those that can’t be treated with conventional treatments. There are several surgical options available:
- Fusion Two or more bones can be permanently fused. Fusion is a method of immobilizing a joint and reducing pain from movement.
- Artificial joint replacement: An artificial joint is used to replace an injured, arthritic knee. Joint replacement preserves joint function and movement. Examples of joint replacements include ankle repair, hip and knee replacement, knee replacement, and shoulder replacement.
