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Your doctor can help you find treatments that control your symptoms and prevent further joint damage. Treatments include painkillers (such as ibuprofen and naproxen), a steroid medication and a more powerful drug called a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug.
Non-specific systemic symptoms such as fatigue, malaise and depression are common in RA patients. These can precede the onset of symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
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X-rays and physical exams can show a loss of joint space, bone overgrowth or bony spurs. Some types of arthritis cause swelling, and the skin over the joints may be red and warm to the touch. Pain and stiffness are common symptoms of most types of arthritis. They can make it hard to climb stairs, open jars or drive a car. They can also be aggravated by damp weather or exercise.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Most of them affect the joints in the knees, hips and spine. These are weight-bearing joints, which have to support your body when you walk or stand. The ends of the bones meet in these joints and are covered with a spongy material called cartilage that helps protect them from rubbing together. The joints are enclosed in a capsule called the synovium, which releases slippery fluid that helps the joint move smoothly and easily. The fluid also helps keep the joints warm and lubricated.
The first step in diagnosis is for your doctor to ask questions about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Your doctor will move the joint that hurts to see how far it moves and if there are any signs of inflammation, such as redness or tenderness.
Your doctor will also ask about your past health and family history, especially if you have any relatives who have had rheumatic diseases. Most doctors can tell what kind of arthritis is causing your symptoms by examining you, taking blood tests and doing imaging tests such as X-rays.
For some types of arthritis, such as septic arthritis, a bacterial infection causes the pain and swelling. Then your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Other types of arthritis can be difficult to diagnose, especially when they are first starting. For example, early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be hard to distinguish from other systemic inflammatory rheumatic disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s syndrome, inflammatory myopathies or overlapping syndromes such as mixed connective tissue disease. These can have similar features to RA, such as asymmetrical joints, autoantibodies and constitutional symptoms.
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If you have arthritis, your symptoms may come and go. Pain and stiffness can usually be managed by using medications, heat or cold and exercise.
Your family doctor is often a good place to start when you have arthritis. They have your medical records, know your health history and are familiar with any other illnesses you’ve had. If your arthritic symptoms are mild, they may prescribe non-prescription NSAIDs that reduce pain and fever. These drugs can also help prevent heart attacks and stroke.
For some types of arthritic diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA), doctors may prescribe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to decrease inflammation and slow the progress of the disease. These drugs include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and chlorambucil. Another type of medication, corticosteroids, reduces swelling and can be taken orally or as injections.
Injections of lidocaine, methyl salicylate and/or camphor can provide relief for some people who have OA pain. These topical medications act by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.
Some people with RA may be prescribed biologics, which are injectable medications that work by blocking specific pathways made by immune cells that cause inflammation. These medications are similar to DMARDs but they work more quickly to decrease inflammation and improve function.
You can also find a range of over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Some products, such as capsaicin and voltaren gel 1%, contain an ingredient that causes a burning or stinging sensation when you rub them on.
In some cases, arthritis can cause eye problems, including uveitis, iridocyclitis and iritis. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can also cause septic arthritis, which has a high risk of infection and can lead to sepsis.
If your arthritic symptoms are affecting your daily life, you should ask your GP for a referral to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. These are professionals who can teach you how to use your body with the least strain on your joints for less pain and more energy. They can also show you how to do everyday tasks at home and at work in a way that’s easier on your joints.
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Exercise helps to increase joint flexibility, strengthen muscles around joints and improve balance and posture. Exercise can also decrease pain, fatigue and stress. It is important to talk with your doctor or health professional before starting any new exercise program. They can help you find the right exercise for your condition and give you a program that fits into your daily life.
People with arthritis should start with low-impact exercises like walking, swimming or cycling. These are safer for the joints and will help prevent injury. People should also be sure to do warm-up and cool-down stretches before and after exercise. Ice therapy is recommended after exercise as well to help decrease swelling and pain. It is also a good idea to have someone close by during exercise to assist with balance and to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble.
Strengthening exercises are also beneficial for those with arthritis. These can be performed at home or with a physical therapist or fitness trainer. Exercises that strengthen muscles without putting pressure on the joints are known as “isometric” exercises and can be done by holding the position for several seconds at a time. Another type of strength training is called isotonic exercises and uses a series of muscle flexes with periods of relaxation to build strength.
Aerobic (endurance) exercises are good for overall health and can help lower blood pressure. They can also improve your heart and lung function. However, people with arthritis should avoid high impact exercise (like jogging) and instead choose low-impact activities like swimming, walking or cycling.
Morning stiffness may improve with stretching or other warm-up exercises or by performing balance and stability exercises before going to bed. Some people with arthritis may have difficulty sleeping at night because of pain or stiffness in the joints. Sleeping in a recliner may help with this problem.
It is important to remember that exercise is a regular part of many people’s lives and can be used to manage arthritis. With some patience and support, it is possible to achieve goals that may seem daunting at first.
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If you want to live life to the fullest, you need to manage arthritis symptoms so that you can continue to enjoy valued activities. The key is effective treatment, self-management and a good support network.
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and swelling, improve function and prevent permanent damage. There are many different treatments for arthritis, including lifestyle changes, medications and surgery for severely damaged joints.
Your doctor will decide which treatment is right for you. It may take some time to find what works best for you. It is important to let your doctor know if something isn’t working.
Most types of arthritis involve pain in or around a joint. The ends of the bones that meet in a joint are covered with cartilage, a spongy material that acts as a shock absorber to keep the bones from rubbing together. The joint is enclosed in a capsule called the synovium, which releases a slippery fluid to help the bones move easily. Muscles and tendons hold the bones together and give them strength.
Medications are the mainstays of arthritis treatment. Anti-inflammatories like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium relieve pain and reduce swelling. They can cause stomach upset, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if your symptoms get worse or you have a serious side effect such as a stomach ulcer. Acetaminophen relieves pain but doesn’t reduce swelling and is available without a prescription.
Your doctor may also recommend heat or cold therapy, massage, exercise and dietary changes to control your symptoms. Physiotherapists can teach you exercises and provide you with braces or supports.
Psychologists can help you deal with the emotional problems that can go along with arthritis. Social workers can help you solve family, work or financial issues that arise as a result of your condition. Certified dietitians (nutritionists) can show you healthier ways to eat. X-ray and laboratory technologists provide test results that your doctor needs to make a diagnosis or follow your progress. Many communities offer arthritis self-management education workshops to teach you practical skills.
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If the pain comes on suddenly and isn’t linked to an injury, you should see a doctor. The earlier you get a diagnosis and treatment, the more control you may have over your symptoms.
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions. They will look for swollen joints, redness or warmth around the joint, and problems moving the joint. They might also use imaging tests like X-rays and blood tests.
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There are many different kinds of arthritis, and the symptoms vary by disease type. But most forms of arthritis cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. The pain usually comes and goes, and can be felt in one or more joints. The pain can be very bad and can get worse as the disease progresses.
Normally, the ends of the bones that meet to form a joint like your knee are covered with cartilage — a spongy material that acts as a shock absorber and keeps the bones from rubbing against each other. Cartilage also helps the joint move easily with the help of muscles and tendons. Some types of arthritis involve a reduction in the normal amount of cartilage tissue, and this can cause painful and stiff joints.
The most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). OA is usually a result of injury or normal wear and tear on a joint over time. RA is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system – the body’s natural defense against infections and foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses and fungi – mistakenly attacks the tissues of the joints. This can lead to inflammation, which causes pain, stiffness and fatigue.
Inflammatory arthritis symptoms may be mild to moderate and typically come and go, but they can become more chronic if not treated early. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.
Your family doctor is often the best source of medical care for arthritis symptoms because he or she knows your medication records, is familiar with your general physical health and has access to your medical records from other doctors. He or she can also refer you to a specialist if needed.
A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of arthritis problems. Eat lots of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, beans and nuts, and limit foods high in saturated fat, sugar and processed carbohydrates. Some people also find that certain foods trigger a flare-up of arthritis pain, such as dairy or gluten. Eliminating these foods from your diet can be helpful, but talking to a nutritionist is recommended before trying this.
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The swelling that occurs in some forms of arthritis is due to the inflammation process. The inflammation can damage the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in a joint, causes fluid to leak into tissues around the joints and makes muscles and tendons less effective at supporting and moving the joint. The result is that the joint becomes weaker and less flexible, which leads to stiffness and pain. Various types of medication can help with both pain and swelling. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and aspirin (available without prescription) or acetaminophen. These medicines reduce both pain and swelling, although they can cause stomach upset in some people. If the pain or swelling doesn’t ease after a few days, it is important to see your doctor as they can provide you with a diagnosis and advice for managing your symptoms.
Arthritis can affect any joint in your body, but it usually occurs in areas that bend or move – for example, the knee, hip, elbow, wrist or finger joints. Affected joints are usually swollen and stiff, and sometimes warm and red. You can also have muscle weakness, fatigue and loss of mobility in the affected joint.
Inflammation of a joint causes the body to release chemicals that boost blood flow to the area and make the tissue more sensitive, causing it to feel tender. This is the start of a cascade of events that can lead to the loss of joint function, wearing away of the cartilage, redness and swelling of the lining of the joint capsule (synovium) and damage to surrounding tissues.
If the pain or stiffness is new, you should go to your GP as they can help diagnose your problem and refer you to other healthcare professionals if necessary. This could include a physiotherapist who can help with exercise and movement in the affected joint.
Your GP will ask you about your past health problems, perform a physical exam and take a sample of fluid from the joint to check for infection or other signs of inflammation. They may also order blood tests to look for signs of inflammation, and an x-ray or scan of the joint to check for damage and narrowing of the space in the joint. They may also refer you to a specialist in arthritis, called a rheumatologist.
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The aching pain that’s associated with arthritis is caused by damage to your joint. It’s a painful condition that can limit your ability to use the affected part of your body, such as climbing stairs or opening jars. The pain can be constant or come and go, depending on the type of arthritis you have. You may also experience a general feeling of tiredness.
Arthritis most often affects areas in or around joints, which are places where bones meet such as your knee. The ends of your bones are covered by cartilage, a spongy material that absorbs the shock from moving your joints and prevents them from rubbing together. The cartilage is enclosed in a joint capsule that’s lined with a slippery fluid called synovial fluid. This fluid helps the cartilage move smoothly and freely within the joint. Arthritis occurs when the lining of the joint breaks down, and the fluid isn’t released as it should be.
Some types of arthritis cause swelling in the skin over the affected joint. It’s usually red and warm to the touch, and it may feel tender when touched. Stiffness is another common symptom. The stiffness may be worse in the morning or after you’ve been resting for a while, such as when you get out of bed or climb up the stairs. It may also be worse after you use the joint or after exercise.
Other symptoms of certain types of arthritis include fatigue and a feeling that your joints are grinding together, which is called grating. This is a sensation that you may notice in some types of arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis, which is caused by an overproduction of inflammatory cells. Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder, can also cause grating pain in some people.
Medications can help reduce both pain and inflammation. Anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, reduce pain and swelling and are available without prescription. Acetaminophen relieves pain but doesn’t reduce swelling and is available over-the-counter. A doctor can also prescribe stronger medications to treat specific types of arthritis if these over-the-counter ones don’t help you feel better.
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Symptoms vary from person to person and may become worse at certain times of the day, or after activity. Pain and stiffness tend to get worse over time and can make everyday tasks difficult.
If you’re noticing new or worsening symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor. Your family doctor will have your medical records, knows your general health and is familiar with the medications you’re taking. This information will give your doctor a head start in helping you with your treatment plan.
It is very important to try and keep moving your joints as much as you can. Joint movement reduces inflammation and tightness of muscles around the joints.
If your arthritis pain, swelling and stiffness are making it difficult for you to move, talk with your GP about the problem. They can refer you to a physiotherapist who can teach you exercises and techniques to help maintain your range of motion and mobility.
Your GP can also refer you to a dietitian who will be able to advise you on what to eat. Some people with arthritis have found that acidic foods such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit and nightshade vegetables like potatoes, capsicum and eggplants make their symptoms worse. However, there is no proof that these foods actually cause arthritis.
Depression and anxiety can be a side effect of arthritis, especially when it’s severe and persistent. It’s important to talk with your GP and/or psychiatrist about your feelings if you feel them affecting your quality of life.
If your job is affected by your arthritis, it’s a good idea to have a discussion with your manager about how you can manage your work. Some employers are willing to support their employees with a disability, and there are services available to assist with modifying equipment or rescheduling your work hours. You can also contact Arthritis Australia to find out more about the support services you may be eligible for. You should also read their booklet ‘Stepping Out: A guide for young adults with arthritis’. It will provide you with all the information you need about the benefits, services and supports that are available to you.
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Many people with arthritis find their coping skills tested. Pain stiffness and fatigue can make you feel down and irritable.
Try to balance activity with rest. Pace yourself throughout the day eat a healthy diet get enough sleep to avoid depression and seek outside support. This could be from a clergy member family social worker counselor or psychologist.
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Physical activity is the best way to relieve arthritis symptoms, especially for those with a mild or moderate form of the condition. However, starting a new exercise program can be intimidating. It is important to start slowly and gradually build up your activity level. A rheumatology provider or physical therapist can help you set realistic short- and long-term goals. They can also offer support and guidance.
The types of activities recommended for people with arthritis are low-impact aerobic exercises that put less stress on the joints, such as walking, swimming or cycling, and muscle-strengthening exercises, including weight training and using resistance bands. Other activities, such as dancing and tai chi, can improve balance and flexibility.
A rheumatologist may also recommend a range-of-motion exercise program, which can help to improve flexibility and reduce pain. They may also recommend a warm-up routine before performing strength-training or endurance exercises. Strengthening exercises help to keep muscles strong, which in turn can help to protect weak, damaged joints.
Septic arthritis is caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus, Streptococcus or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It causes severe joint pain and fever, and can progress to sepsis if left untreated.
Besides exercise, other therapies used in RA treatment include splints or braces to support stiff joints, or orthotics to help align the foot. There are also assistive devices, such as canes and handrails for the stairs, to enable people with RA to remain mobile in their homes. Physiotherapy can improve muscle strength and joint flexibility, and an anti-inflammatory diet may reduce the severity of RA symptoms. A rheumatologist can also prescribe medication to manage symptoms, such as NSAIDs. These medications can be taken by mouth or orally injected.
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For people with rheumatoid arthritis, doctors start treatment with anti-inflammatory medicines called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These can decrease pain and slow the loss of cartilage and bone. The first medicine usually given is methotrexate, along with a short course of steroids to relieve inflammation. Because methotrexate affects the blood cells and liver, you’ll need regular blood tests to check your progress. You’ll also take analgesics to ease your pain until the DMARDs are working.
NSAIDs decrease pain and inflammation by blocking the production of chemicals that stimulate nerve endings to respond to tissue damage. They include the over-the-counter medications ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). Stronger NSAIDs require a doctor’s prescription. These include celecoxib (Celebrex) and meloxicam (Vivlodex, Mobic). Some NSAIDs are stronger than others, so they need to be taken less often. Your doctor may also prescribe a type of NSAID called a COX-2 inhibitor. These are designed to target only the enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you to move your joints to see how much pain you have and to assess the degree of swelling, redness and warmth. They’ll also want to know if you have any other symptoms, such as fatigue or fever. Blood tests and X-rays can help diagnose arthritic conditions. X-rays can show joint damage, such as erosions, cartilage loss and bone spurs.
Your doctor will advise you on lifestyle changes to help prevent or reduce your symptoms. This includes maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive stress on your joints. Physiotherapy can improve muscle strength and flexibility. It can also help you learn to use aids such as walking sticks or canes. Your doctor will also recommend therapies such as massage, which can increase the flow of blood to joints and may temporarily relieve pain.
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of medicines that relieve pain and curb inflammation. They are available as tablets, capsules, suppositories, gels and creams. Some can be bought over the counter at pharmacies and others require a prescription.
NSAIDs are good at treating pain caused by slow tissue damage, such as from arthritis or back problems. They also work well to combat menstrual cramps and headaches. They work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is responsible for converting arachidonic acid to thromboxanes and prostaglandins, which are fatty molecules that cause inflammation. They reduce the production of these fatty molecules and also block other pathways that lead to inflammation.
The different NSAIDs are classified into groups based on their chemical structure and selectivity. Those that are considered traditional NSAIDs include acetylated salicylates (aspirin), propionic acid derivatives, including ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, anthranilic acids, such as meloxicam and piroxicam, and coxibs. Acetaminophen is not considered to be a traditional NSAID, although it does have weak COX inhibitory activity and does not interfere with the production of inflammatory prostaglandins.
It is important to take NSAIDs as instructed, and not exceed the recommended dose or duration of use. Over-the-counter NSAIDs are not recommended for long-term use, and a doctor should monitor their effects in those taking them for extended periods of time, particularly in those who have a history of heart disease or stomach ulcers.
People who take NSAIDs should avoid alcohol, as it can increase the chance of side effects, and should inform their doctor if they are at risk for developing stomach ulcers. In those at higher risk for a GI ulcer, doctors can prescribe proton pump inhibitors or misoprostol to be taken alongside their NSAIDs, to protect the stomach.
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Steroids occur naturally in the body and can be given as tablets or injections into a joint. They reduce inflammation which is a response by the immune system to protect the body from disease and infection. Steroids work by reducing the chemicals produced that cause inflammation and limiting the function of white blood cells that are involved. They are often prescribed for rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus (SLE), polymyalgia rheumatica and gout. They can be very effective in reducing pain, stiffness and swelling.
Low doses of steroids may provide significant relief from pain and stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Short-term use of higher doses of steroids can also help a person recover from severe flare-ups of RA. They can also prevent the development of complications such as kidney damage in people with lupus and vasculitis.
Long term use of steroids can increase the risk of several serious problems, even at low doses. They can cause osteoporosis, and may lead to weight gain and diabetes. They can also increase the risk of infections, including serious bacterial and viral infections. Long-term glucocorticoid use also increases the chance of cataracts.
If you are having steroid injections into a joint, the doctor will usually give you a local anaesthetic to reduce the pain. The effect of the anaesthetic wears off after about half an hour, so you may need to take painkillers afterwards. You should not have steroid injections if you are taking medicines that thin the blood, such as warfarin. If you are planning to get pregnant, tell your doctor about the use of steroids because they can affect fertility. They can also cause fluid retention and high blood pressure.
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Depending on your pain levels, the type of arthritis you have, and how much the condition has affected your life, surgery may help you improve mobility and decrease joint pain. It’s not a good option for everyone, though. Before recommending it, your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and history, perform a physical exam, and order laboratory tests.
A joint is a place where two or more bones meet and are lined with a smooth, flexible tissue called synovium. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, the synovium becomes inflamed, which can damage the cartilage and bone of the joint. Surgery can remove diseased synovium, which reduces pain and swelling. It can also replace or repair damaged cartilage and bones.
Some surgical options include knee replacement surgery, hip replacement, and shoulder or elbow replacement. If you’re considering surgery, find a surgeon with experience performing these procedures. You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations.
Your surgeon will use general or local anesthesia to numb the area where the surgery is taking place. When the anesthesia wears off, you’ll probably feel groggy and confused for a few hours. Your doctor will give you pain relievers and a prescription for physical therapy to help you recover from the operation.
Physical therapy will help you regain strength and flexibility in your muscles and joints. It will also teach you exercises to do at home that will help reduce pain and stiffness. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, especially when it comes to exercise. If you’re sedentary because of joint pain, your health risks will increase, including a greater risk for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
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Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Treatments may include pain relievers, heat and cold therapy, medications that slow or stop the immune system attack on joints, steroid injections into the joint, surgery or joint replacement.
The first step is to see your primary care doctor or rheumatologist. They can do a physical exam and take blood tests to check for inflammation levels.
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Back pain is one of the most common types of arthritis and can occur anywhere in your back. Arthritis occurs when the structures that protect a joint break down, particularly cartilage. Cartilage is a spongy material that cushions the ends of bones that meet in a joint and absorbs shock when you move your body. Without normal cartilage, the bones rub together, causing irritation, pain and stiffness.
The most common cause of back pain is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, meaning it gets worse with time. Cartilage wears down with age, or it may be damaged by injury. When the cartilage breaks down, it exposes the underlying bone and causes pain, tenderness and swelling (inflammation). Osteoarthritis often affects large weight-bearing joints like your hip or knee. However, it can also affect your lower back.
Inflammatory arthritides such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus can also cause back pain. These inflammatory diseases cause the destruction of the spine’s vertebrae. Back pain from these diseases can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms of back pain can include muscle spasms, tightness or a dull, burning sensation. It can also be accompanied by numbness, weakness or difficulty moving your arms and legs. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor right away.
A physical examination and a history of your symptoms will help the doctor determine what’s causing your back pain. The doctor will move the affected area to see how far it moves easily and will look for signs of inflammation such as redness, tenderness or a rash. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans may also be needed.
You can manage back pain by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, using heat or ice packs, exercising regularly and pacing your activities. You can also help reduce back pain by losing weight if you’re overweight, and practicing good posture.
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Because bursae and tendons are located near joints, pain in these areas is often mistaken for arthritis. Both problems can be treated by the same approaches. For example, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, heat or cold therapy, splints or slings to protect the area, a physical therapist to help with range of motion and strength, and a rheumatologist (a specialist in conditions that affect the joints). Other treatments include warmup exercises before sports or work activities, pacing the activity level, and changing the position of the joint when possible.
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that works as a cushion and gliding surface to reduce friction between muscles, bones and other structures in the body. The major bursae are in the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. Inflammation of a bursa is called bursitis. Tendons are cord-like tissue that connect muscle to bone. If a tendon becomes inflamed, it is called tendinitis.
People of all ages can get bursitis or tendinitis. The risk increases with age, and certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and diabetes, weaken the soft tissues and make them more susceptible to irritation.
Symptoms of these conditions are pain and stiffness that gets worse with movement. Some people may also feel a grinding sensation in the affected area. A doctor can diagnose these conditions by taking a medical history and doing a physical exam. An X-ray or other tests may be done to look for damage to the joint. A sample of the swollen bursa might be drawn for laboratory testing to check for infection or gout.
Treatments for these conditions usually involve resting the area. Ice packs can help decrease the swelling and inflammation, which is especially helpful when a person is at home. The doctor might recommend alternating between ice and hot therapy. If a splint or sling is used, it helps keep the area supported and stable. Other treatments might include pain relievers, a steroid injection into the affected bursa or tendon, and surgery to drain or remove the swollen tissue. If the condition is chronic, preventing it from returning is important. This includes using good posture when working or playing, warming up and stretching before exercise, and wearing well-fitting shoes.
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Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and it typically develops in the weight-bearing joints such as those in your knees, hips and spine. It is a breakdown of the cartilage — a slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet to make a joint. Normally, the cartilage acts as a shock absorber to help your bones glide easily over one another when you bend or straighten your joints. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness. These symptoms may occur at rest or with activity. In some cases, your cartilage may completely break down, causing your bones to rub together and cause the formation of bone spurs. You may also experience a reduction in joint movement and changes in the shape of your joints. In some instances, a loose fragment of cartilage can get in the way and lead to a clicking or grinding noise (crepitus).
Your doctor will diagnose osteoarthritis by reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical exam and taking X-rays. Sometimes, laboratory tests are done to check for other diseases that cause similar symptoms. Your doctor may also drain fluid from a joint that is particularly swollen or painful. This procedure is called joint aspiration. The fluid is then sent to a lab to test for clues about what’s causing your arthritis.
The most effective treatment programs for osteoarthritis involve a combination of lifestyle changes, weight management to reduce stress on your joints, exercise that strengthens your muscles and the use of medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some cases, surgery is recommended to relieve pain when other treatments aren’t helping. These procedures can include arthroplasty, which involves replacing the damaged cartilage or bone with metal, plastic or ceramic parts. This can be done in the hips, knees, ankles, wrists, fingers and thumb.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term illness that causes joint inflammation. It can also affect nonjoint areas of the body, including the lungs, heart, skin, nerves and kidneys. It usually occurs in small joints, such as those found in the hands, feet and knees. It often starts suddenly and gets worse over time, but it can also develop gradually. It often comes and goes, and it may be hard to diagnose at first because the signs and symptoms are similar to other illnesses, such as influenza.
RA can cause lumps of tissue to form, called rheumatoid nodules. These can grow anywhere, but they are more likely to show up on the elbows, forearms, heels and fingers. They can make it difficult to move or use these joints and may be a sign that the disease is getting worse. Another complication of RA is vasculitis, which causes inflammation of the blood vessels in your body. This can lead to spots on the skin that look like ulcers or damage the blood vessels in your arms and legs. It can be dangerous if it affects larger arteries in your neck, legs or heart.
People with RA have an increased risk of developing certain cancers, especially lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that forms in the lymph glands. They are also at higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke, because long-term inflammation can affect the blood vessels in your brain and heart.
The most common treatment for RA is medicines, such as steroids to reduce inflammation and slow the disease’s progression, and other drugs to treat pain and fatigue. These drugs are most effective when used in combination with other treatments, such as physical therapy, weight loss and dietary changes to decrease stress on the joints.
Some dietary changes, such as adding healthy fats and reducing bad fats, salt and processed foods, can help reduce inflammation and symptoms of RA. However, diet alone won’t cure RA, and you should always consult your rheumatologist before making any dietary changes. It can be helpful to keep track of your symptoms in a journal, and share this with your rheumatologist, who can help you identify triggers of your disease and plan ways to avoid them.