Arthritis

Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly 27 million Americans. This disease occurs when the cartilage in a joint begins to break down or wear away with age or repetitive stress, causing pain and swelling from the bones rubbing together. Other symptoms of osteoarthritis include soreness and stiffness when moving after being at rest and bone enlargement in the finger joints. Osteoarthritis is often caused by the normal wear and tear of aging, but it can also be related to obesity, joint overuse, and injuries. People who already have rheumatoid arthritis are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis, as are those with a family history of the disease. Healthcare providers may suggest physical therapy, joint fluid removal, or medication injections; however, if conservative options do not provide relief, surgery may be recommended.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes joints on both sides of the body (for example, both knees) to develop chronic redness, swelling, and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects hands, wrists, or knees, but it also can impact the heart, lungs, blood, nerves, eyes, or skin. While rheumatoid arthritis can affect children and the elderly, it most commonly develops in middle-age people, and about 75 percent of those affected are women.

Doctors have not yet determined what causes rheumatoid arthritis. Current theories suggest that exposure to bacteria or a virus may trigger the immune system to attack the joints. Although it is suspected that one or more genes may make people more susceptible to that immune response, more research is necessary.

Symptoms include stiffness, pain, and swelling in several joints. Fatigue, fever, and weight loss may also occur. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may be worse after periods of inactivity. Some patients may develop rheumatoid nodules—firm bumps under the skin near the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can develop quickly or occur more gradually over several years. For some people, the disease may go into remission for periods of time. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause joint deformities. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes medication to relieve pain and suppress the immune system, but surgery may be necessary for severe joint damage or pain that cannot be controlled by medication.

Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when excess uric acid in the body forms crystals in the joints, causing sudden pain, redness, swelling, and stiffness—most often in the big toe but sometimes in the foot, ankle, or knee. Risk factors include a diet high in purines (found in meat and seafood), excessive alcohol use, diuretic medications, and being overweight. While gout attacks may come and go, uric acid can still damage joints even without symptoms, so medical care is important. Treatment may include medication, corticosteroid injections, rest, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (but not aspirin). Reducing meat, seafood, and alcohol intake can also help prevent flare-ups.

Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. It can appear in several forms, each with distinct symptoms. The condition is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and people with psoriasis who have nail changes are at higher risk. Although there is no cure, treatment may include anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressing medications to manage symptoms and prevent joint damage. Applying heat or ice, taking rest breaks, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in low-impact exercise can also help reduce pain and stiffness.

Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection caused by bacteria or fungi that can lead to rapid joint damage. This condition can occur if an infection in another part of the body travels through the bloodstream to a joint. It is also possible for surgery, injections, or puncture wounds to cause bacteria to enter a joint and cause septic arthritis. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint, while children may also experience illness and discomfort, irritability, a fast heartbeat, or loss of appetite. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and draining the infected joint (synovial) fluid, and surgery may be required to fully clear the infection.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis develops in a joint that has been previously injured, such as from sports, car accidents, military service, or falls. Damage to the bone or cartilage from these injuries can lead to joint deterioration over time, especially if the joint is reinjured or if excess body weight adds stress. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and fluid buildup in the joint. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medication, weight loss, and low-impact exercise. In some cases, cortisone or artificial joint fluid (Hylamers) injections may help, while surgery to clean, reconstruct, or replace the joint may be needed for lasting relief.

Lupus
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation in the joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood cells. While the exact cause is unknown, lupus is thought to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Symptoms vary widely and may appear suddenly or develop gradually, often coming and going in flare-ups. For some patients, exposure to sunlight can cause lupus skin lesions or other symptoms. Certain types of medication can also cause lupus to occur, but it usually goes away when the medication is discontinued. Common signs include fatigue, fever, joint pain, skin rashes, chest pain, shortness of breath, and memory issues or confusion. Because the symptoms of lupus are different in each patient, treatment is tailored to the individual and may include anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immune suppressants, or antimalarial medications to manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.