Arthritis is a medical condition in which one or more joints become inflamed, painful, and stiff. The term “arthritis” is derived from Latin and literally means “inflammation of the joints.” Arthritis is not just a single disease. There are over a hundred different types of arthritis. The more common types include the following:
Some forms of arthritis affect more than just a person’s joints. For example, lupus not only affects the joints but also the kidneys, blood, lungs, and heart.
A joint is a place where two bones meet. The joints that are commonly affected by arthritis are the joints found within the hands, feet, and spine as well as the knees and hips. For those suffering from arthritis, one or more of these joints become inflamed, swollen, and painful. The joints also become stiff and exhibit decreased range of motion. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, may come and go, or last for years.
The causes for arthritis vary. For many types of arthritis, the cause is unknown. The more common types of arthritis and their causes are listed below:
This type of arthritis is caused by the gradual degradation of the cartilage and connective tissue within joints.
The cause for rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the synovial membrane that surrounds a joint.
The cause for psoriatic arthritis is unknown. It coincides with a skin condition known as psoriasis.
This type of arthritis is caused by the accumulation of urate crystals within joints.
The cause for lupus is unknown. It occurs when the immune system attacks various parts of the body including the joints, kidneys, blood, lungs, and heart.
The cause for juvenile idiopathic arthritis is unknown. It occurs when the immune system attacks the joints in children under the age of sixteen.
The following factors increase one’s risk for developing arthritis:
The likelihood of developing certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, increases with age.
The risk for arthritis increases if there is a history of the disease within one’s family.
Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, affect females more than males. Likewise, other types of arthritis, such as gout, affect males more than females.
Any joint that has been previously injured is likely to develop arthritis over time. This includes joints that experience repetitive motion injuries. For example, professional athletes often exhibit osteoarthritis in the knees as they get older.
Extra weight results in extra stress for load-bearing joints (the knees, hips, ankles, and spine). Obese individuals are more prone to develop arthritis in these joints.
Doctors rely on a variety of methods to diagnose arthritis. These methods include the following:
A doctor will review the patient’s symptoms and conduct a physical exam. Affected joints will be evaluated for inflammation and tenderness. The mobility of the joints will also be assessed.
Blood tests can be used to diagnose certain types of arthritis. For example, rheumatoid arthritis can be diagnosed after testing the blood for an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
Joint aspiration is a procedure in which a needle is used to remove fluid from around a joint. The fluid is then tested for the presence of crystals, bacteria, or viruses.
Imaging is used to visualize the bones, cartilage, and soft tissues within a joint. X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds can all be used to diagnose arthritis as well as determine the severity of the disease.
The treatment for arthritis consists of a combination of tactics. These tactics include the following:
If medications and other conservative treatments do not offer relief, there are a variety of surgical options available. One can elect to have an arthroscopy, synovectomy, joint fusion, or total joint replacement.
One can lower their risk of developing arthritis by maintaining a healthy body weight. One should also take precautions to prevent joint injuries. For example, choose exercises that are low impact, such as walking, bicycling, and swimming. Wear protective equipment when possible and avoid joint damage due to repetitive motion.