Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints, causing tenderness and swelling. There are several types of arthritis, the most common being rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage that protects the joints to break down over time due to the wear and tear of living, while rheumatoid arthritis involves the immune system attacking the tissue around the joints, causing it to become inflamed. Other diseases can cause arthritis as well. Lupus is a disease that commonly causes arthritis. Treatments vary, but they all aim to preserve a high quality of life.
The most common symptoms of arthritis, no matter what kind it is, include:
These symptoms might be a sign of arthritis if they persist for an extended period. If any of the above symptoms are short-lived and do not reoccur, it is unlikely you are experiencing arthritis. Additional symptoms may manifest depending on the type of arthritis you’re dealing with.
The causes of the two most common types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, differ because they affect the joints differently.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking what’s known as the synovial membrane. The synovial membrane lines the entire joint, protecting it. When it becomes inflamed, movement can become very painful. Rheumatoid arthritis can go so far as to destroy parts of the joint itself, like bone and cartilage.
Osteoarthritis involves damage to the cartilage itself. The cartilage cushions the ends of bones, preventing them from rubbing against each other and allowing easy movement. If the cartilage is completely worn away – which it is not always in osteoarthritis – bone will rub against bone. Even partial damage to the cartilage can restrict movement and cause a lot of pain.
Osteoarthritis can eventually affect the synovial membrane, causing it to become inflamed, and it also affects the structure of the tissues that connect the bone and the muscle. This makes movement harder over time.
The one thing these two diseases share is the joints they’re most likely to affect. These two types of arthritis occur most commonly in the hands, arms, legs, and pelvis (hips).
Risk factors for arthritis include a family history of the disease, getting older, being a woman, obesity, and sports-related injuries.
A diagnosis of arthritis will involve your doctor thoroughly understanding your medical history, current symptoms and conducting a physical exam to assess your range of motion and pain levels.
Your doctor may order lab tests or ask for fluid to be drawn from the joint to try and identify the type of arthritis you’re experiencing. Imaging tests like X-ray and computerised tomography (CT) scans may also be done to visualise current joint damage.
Complications of arthritis include difficulty performing daily life activities, trouble walking, and joints getting out of alignment.
Treatment for arthritis can range from medication to surgery. Common medications used to treat arthritis include over-the-counter pain medications like Ibuprofen or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), steroid creams, antirheumatic drugs, and creams designed to interfere with the pain signals using menthol.
Physical therapy helps people with certain types of arthritis manage the pain and strengthen their muscles.
Joint repair and joint replacement surgeries are also common in people with arthritis.