Arthritis, Answered: Your Top Questions Explained

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases, affecting nearly 54 million adults in the United States alone. For being so common, there are still a lot of questions about arthritis. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about arthritis.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is defined as inflammation of one or more joints, characterized clinically by joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes decreased range of motion. It is not a single disease but a general term encompassing over 100 different conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. Most people are familiar with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis, but a few others are gout, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is generally associated with old age and wear and tear of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints in hands but can also involve shoulders, knees and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis causes more swelling and redness and can also involve other organs, such as the eyes and lungs.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is related to psoriasis and is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that can attack the joints. In some cases it can cause eye inflammation as well. It may or may not be associated with psoriasis of the skin.
What are some symptoms of arthritis?
Since there are different types of arthritis, there can be a wide range of symptoms, but almost all of them have joint pain or stiffness in the joints as symptoms. Other symptoms can include swelling or inflammation, skin discoloration, sensitivity around the joints, or a feeling of heat or warmth near the joints.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
A primary care provider can diagnose arthritis with a physical examination and a review of your family history. They may also order diagnostic imaging, such as an x-ray, to rule out other conditions. Laboratory testing of blood, urine, or joint fluid can help determine which type of arthritis the patient has.
Is arthritis hereditary?
Some types of arthritis may run in families, but just because a parent or close relative had arthritis does not mean that you will. Some types of arthritis have a stronger genetic impact than others.
What are some risk factors for arthritis?
In addition to family history and genetics, some risk factors for arthritis include:
- age - some types, such as osteoarthritis, are more likely as you get older
- sex - certain types of arthritis, such as gout, are found more often in men, while others, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are more common in women
- obesity - carrying excess weight can lead to degeneration in the joints, particularly of the hip or knee
- smoking - any form of smoking can lead to inflammation throughout the whole body
- joint injuries - if you've suffered a joint injury, maybe while playing a sport or through work, you may be more likely to develop arthritis later in life
Some people believe that cracking your joints can lead to arthritis, but this is one of many arthritis-related myths.
How is arthritis treated?
Treatment for arthritis depends on the type of arthritis, but for most people who develop arthritis, there are many ways to help manage the symptoms.
Medication
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve can help reduce inflammation and pain from arthritis flare-ups. For some, corticosteroid injections in the affected joints can offer longer term relief from symptoms. Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis can be managed with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Physical or occupational therapy
It may seem counterintuitive but moving your body helps alleviate stiffness and swelling from some types of arthritis. Working with a physical therapist or occupational therapist to get you moving safely and confidently can help improve your symptoms. Some forms of exercise, including aquatic therapy, or even simple movement exercises like Tai Chi can be incredibly beneficial.
Surgery
Surgery, most commonly joint fusion or joint replacement, is typically a last resort for treating certain types of arthritis.
Can you cure arthritis?
No, arthritis cannot be cured, but it can be managed well with treatment and therapies tailored to an individual's type of arthritis.
Arthritis can, however, be managed to a point that it does not negatively impact your every day life. Medications, gentle movement, smoking cessation, and eating nourishing foods that help reduce inflammation can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
If you have more questions about arthritis, contact your primary care provider or rheumatologist—your care team is here to help!

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