Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints and is one of the most common causes of joint pain. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods, but the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Almost all types of arthritis will start with similar symptoms. These symptoms can worsen over time, and while there are steps that you can take to prevent the progression of arthritis, you have to know that it’s arthritis that is causing your pain. Keep an eye out for the early signs of arthritis, and let your doctor know if you think you may be developing symptoms of arthritis.
Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis involve the joints. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Grinding Sensations
- Lumps and Bumps Around Joints
- Joint Tenderness
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion
Causes
The two main types of arthritis — osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis — damage joints in different ways.
Osteoarthritis
The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to your joint’s cartilage — the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones. Enough damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can be hastened by a joint injury or infection.
Rheumatoid arthritis
In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining, known as the synovial membrane, becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for arthritis include:
- Family history. Some types of arthritis run in families, so you may be more likely to develop arthritis if your parents or siblings have the disorder. Your genes can make you more susceptible to environmental factors that may trigger arthritis.
- Age. The risk of many types of arthritis — including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout — increases with age.
- Your sex. Women are more likely than are men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while most of the people who have gout, another type of arthritis, are men.
- Previous joint injury. People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint.
- Obesity. Carrying excess pounds puts stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips and spine. Obese people have a higher risk of developing arthritis.
Complications
Severe arthritis, particularly if it affects your hands or arms, can make it difficult for you to do daily tasks. Arthritis of weight-bearing joints can keep you from walking comfortably or sitting up straight. In some cases, joints may become twisted and deformed.
Get Yourself Screened
If you find that you are limiting your activities or unhappy managing your symptoms of arthritis, you should consult with a doctor. Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon does not mean you will have surgery–in fact, the vast majority of patients who see an orthopaedic surgeon don’t need surgery for treatment. Your orthopaedist can help guide you on the best treatments available for your arthritic symptoms.
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