Understanding arthritis
You may know someone who has arthritis, or maybe you have it yourself. Arthritis affects about 53 million adults in the U.S. It causes inflammation or swelling in one or more joints (a place where 2 or more bones meet, like an elbow or knee) and surrounding tissues.1 Read on to learn about the different types of arthritis, and tips for preventing and managing symptoms.
Arthritis types, symptoms and treatment
Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on your condition. Understanding the different types of arthritis —and what causes them — may help you relieve and manage arthritis pain.
Osteoarthritis causes and symptoms
Osteoarthritis (sometimes called wear and tear arthritis), is the most common form of arthritis and typically affects older adults. Factors like aging, obesity, prior injury to the joint, repetitive motion, incorrect formation of the joint, or family history of the condition can all increase your chance of developing osteoarthritis. With osteoarthritis, cartilage in the joint breaks down over time causing pain, stiffness and swelling. Osteoarthritis is usually found in the hands, knees, hips or spine.2
Osteoarthritis diagnosis and treatment
To diagnose osteoarthritis, your doctor may:
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Perform a physical exam
- Order imaging, like X-rays and/or lab tests
While there’s no treatment to cure osteoarthritis, you may be able to manage symptoms through medication and/or lifestyle changes, like exercise and managing your weight. Staying active and protecting your joints may help reduce pain and swelling. 2,3
Rheumatoid arthritis causes and symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. With this type of arthritis, the body attacks the lining of your joints, which can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors (like infection or smoking) may increase your risk. Symptoms include joints that are tender, warm, swollen or stiff.4
Early on, rheumatoid arthritis usually affects smaller joints, like the ones in your hands and feet. Over time, it can spread to your wrists, ankles, knees, hips, elbows and shoulders. This autoimmune disorder may also impact your skin, heart, lungs, kidneys and other parts of the body.4
Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and treatment
To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may:
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Perform a physical exam
- Order imaging, like X-rays and/or lab tests
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis usually includes managing symptoms through medication or lifestyle changes (healthy diet and exercise). Medicines called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can help slow progression, control joint swelling and prevent joint deformity.5
Gout causes and symptoms
Gout is a form of arthritis that results in sudden attacks of intense pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in a joint (commonly the big toe). A buildup of uric acid is to blame for this type of arthritis. If your body makes too much uric acid or removes too little from your system, it can build up and form needle-shaped crystals in and around your joint(s).6 However, not everyone who has high levels of uric acid will develop gout.7
Other factors may increase your risk of gout, including a diet high in red meat, shellfish and fructose, some health conditions, certain medications and family history of gout.6
Gout diagnosis and treatment
To diagnose gout, your doctor may:
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Perform a physical exam
- Test fluid from your affected joint
- Order imaging, like X-rays and/or lab tests
Gout treatment focuses on managing pain and preventing future attacks. Pain is often managed using anti-inflammatory medications and/or lifestyle changes (healthy diet including limiting red meats, certain seafood and sugary drinks, limited alcohol including non-alcoholic beer, and regular exercise).6
Fibromyalgia causes and symptoms
People with fibromyalgia experience widespread pain and tenderness throughout their bodies. It seems that people with fibromyalgia have an increased level of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain. While the exact cause is unknown, factors like genetics, some infections, and physical or emotional events (like stress or a car accident) could trigger this condition.8
The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread pain and stiffness, fatigue and brain fog. Other conditions that may be present in people with fibromyalgia include depression, anxiety, tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and temporomandibular (jawbone) joint disorders.8
Fibromyalgia diagnosis and treatment
To diagnose fibromyalgia, your doctor may:
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Perform a physical exam
- Check if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis
- Order lab tests
To meet the criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis, you must have experienced widespread pain for at least 3 months within 4 specific regions of your body.7
Treatment for fibromyalgia can include medications, physical therapy, counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Self-care methods are especially important for managing symptoms. These can include things like stress management, exercise, quality sleep and a healthy diet. 7,8
Causes and symptoms of arthritis from psoriasis
Psoriatic arthritis affects some people who have psoriasis. This type of arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects joints, and areas where tendons and ligaments connect to bones. Injuring a joint or having or being predisposed to psoriasis may play a role in your chance of developing psoriatic arthritis.10
Common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include tenderness, pain and swelling over joints and tendons, reduced range of motion, eye inflammation, fatigue and changes to your nails.10
Diagnosis and treatment of arthritis from psoriasis
To diagnose psoriatic arthritis, your doctor may:
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Perform a physical exam
- Test fluid from your affected joint
- Order imaging, like X-rays, and/or lab tests
Treatment for psoriatic arthritis typically includes methods for reducing and controlling inflammation. You may try certain medications, physical and massage therapy, steroid injections and lifestyle changes to help reduce inflammation. If your joint is really damaged, you may look into joint replacement surgery.11
Causes and symptoms of childhood arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects kids and teens 16 and under. Like rheumatoid arthritis, the cause of childhood arthritis is unknown. It’s possible an illness or infection could activate a certain gene in kids that triggers this type of arthritis. Common symptoms of childhood arthritis include joints that are stiff, painful, red or swollen, fatigue, blurry vision, rash, high fever and reduced appetite.
Diagnosis and treatment of childhood arthritis
To diagnose juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a doctor may:
- Review your child’s medical history and symptoms
- Perform a physical exam
- Check if your child meets the criteria for a diagnosis
- Order imaging, like X-rays, and/or lab tests
The criteria for a juvenile idiopathic arthritis diagnosis includes having inflammation in one or more joints for at least 6 weeks.12
Early treatment can help manage symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and prevent damage to other parts of the body. Medications, physical therapy, regular exercise and a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods (fish, fruits, whole grains, vegetables) can all help reduce inflammation and control pain.12
Who should I see for arthritis?
If you or your child has symptoms of arthritis, start with a visit to your primary care provider. They’ll likely refer you to a specialist, like a rheumatologist, immunologist or neurologist. It’s important to see the right care provider for your condition, so be sure to ask lots of questions and do your own research. Together, you and your provider may discuss arthritis treatments and decide which may be best for you or your child.
