What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition where the cartilage that lines your joints wears down, causing discomfort, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. You can develop arthritis in any joint, but common places include the knees, hips, shoulders, lower back, hands, wrists, feet and ankles.
Arthritis is extremely common and is a part of the aging process. Arthritis affects around one-fifth of people in the US, and some degree of arthritis is observed on X-rays in nearly all people of advanced age. The various kinds of arthritis differ by cause, symptoms and the parts of the body they typically affect.
Determining which type of arthritis you have is the key to creating the most effective treatment plan for you. Arthritis doesn’t have a cure, but diagnosing it early and identifying the type you have can help you enjoy the best quality of life possible and reduce your risk of complications.
Arthritis symptoms
Arthritis symptoms vary widely depending on the type of condition you have. The common feature, however, is that symptoms center on the joints. As a result, it’s important to take note of any new discomfort or other joint-related signs that could suggest arthritis. Symptoms may be constant, come and go, or only occur after exercise or other physical activity.
Common signs and symptoms of arthritis include:
- A joint that feels warm or tender to the touch
- Discolored skin around the joint
- Joint pain
- Reduced range of motion in the joint
- Stiffness in the joint
When to see a doctor
Depending on where you’re experiencing joint pain, being examined by an orthopedist who specializes in the upper extremities (your arms, from the shoulder to the hands) or lower extremities (your hip, thigh, knee, lower leg, ankle and feet) can put you on the path to relief.
A physical medicine and rehabilitation physician or orthopedic sports medicine doctor can offer conservative options for milder joint discomfort or stiffness, especially if symptoms stop you from participating in your regular activities or favorite pastimes.
Depending on the form of arthritis, your provider may also refer you to a rheumatologist for specialized care. You should also see your medical provider if you have severe joint pain, experience more symptom flares than usual or notice a sudden change in your range of motion.
What causes arthritis?
Sometimes, arthritis develops without an identifiable cause. This is known as idiopathic arthritis. In many cases, though, determining what type you have can help pinpoint the cause. The causes of arthritis are as diverse as the forms of the condition. Common causes include:
- Changes to cartilage that cause it to break down over time (osteoarthritis)
- Genetic and environmental factors (multiple types, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis)
- High uric acid levels in your blood (gout)
- Infections (infectious arthritis)
Arthritis risk factors
Arthritis can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk. Getting older, for example, increases your likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. Aging cells in your joint tissues raise the risk of cartilage wearing out, which is why osteoarthritis is more common after age 50.
Like aging, some arthritis risk factors are out of your hands. Others, however, you can control. General risk factors for arthritis include:
- Being female: Women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis, possibly due to hormone-related differences.
- Being obese: Obesity contributes to inflammation that may fuel arthritis. In addition, excess fat adds to joint stress, especially for the knees and other weight-bearing joints.
- Family history: Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, can run in families, so you may be more likely to develop one of these conditions if a parent or another close family member has it.
- Joint injury: Injuring a joint can lead to potentially harmful inflammation.
- Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise helps your joints by strengthening surrounding muscles. Not exercising, however, reduces the muscles’ ability to support the joints.
- Smoking: Smoking can trigger inflammation throughout the body that may contribute to arthritis.
Complications
Arthritis pain and other symptoms can affect your quality of life in a variety of ways. Without treatment, you may stop participating in hobbies and find it difficult to perform your best at work, complete routine chores or get around your home.
How can I prevent arthritis?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent arthritis, but you can reduce your risk and delay its onset. Keeping your joints healthy now can help you stay mobile and avoid discomfort later. To lower your chances of developing arthritis, try these tips:
- Avoid tobacco products
- Follow a healthy diet and exercise plan
- Choose low-impact exercises
- Use proper protective gear for activities that could harm your joints, such as a brace
