At a glance
What is arthritis?
An inflammation affecting joints like knees, hips, shoulders or spine, often worsening with age
Most common types
Osteoarthritis (cartilage wear) and Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disorder)
Types of Arthritis
Arthritis comes in many forms:
- Idiopathic arthritis - Spondylitis - Septic arthritis - Reactive arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis - Psoriatic arthritis - Thumb arthritis - Osteoarthritis (bone wear) - Gout - Joint infection
The two most common are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage damage—the hard and slippery tissue covering bone ends—leading to joint deformation. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder attacking the synovial membrane (joint lining), causing inflammation and eventual cartilage and bone damage.
Less common types may result from other conditions like lupus (affecting kidneys, lungs and joints) or psoriasis.
Causes
**Osteoarthritis** develops from wear and tear on joint cartilage—the smooth layer covering bone ends. Severe damage causes bone-on-bone grinding, restricting movement and causing pain. This wear accumulates over years, or joint injuries and inflammation can accelerate it.
**Rheumatoid arthritis** occurs when the immune system attacks the joint lining (synovial membrane). This powerful membrane becomes inflamed and swollen, eventually damaging both cartilage and bone within the joint.
Symptoms
Common joint-related symptoms include:
- Soreness - Stiffness - Swelling - Redness - Decreased range of motion
Some arthritis types cause systemic symptoms:
- Fever - Fatigue - Rash - Weight loss - Breathing problems - Dry eyes and mouth - Mouth ulcers - Mood changes
Risk Factors
- **Genetics**: Arthritis often runs in families, making you vulnerable to triggering factors - **Age**: Risk increases with aging, especially for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout - **Gender**: Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women; gout is more common in men - **Previous joint injury**: Earlier joint injuries (sports or trauma) increase arthritis risk in that joint - **Obesity**: Excess weight strains weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, spine), raising arthritis risk
Complications
Severe arthritis can make daily tasks difficult, especially when affecting hands or arms. Arthritis in weight-bearing joints may prevent comfortable walking or sitting. In advanced cases, joints can become twisted and permanently deformed.
Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. Early diagnosis and proper treatment planning prevents disease progression through these approaches:
Medications
- Corticosteroids
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Chemotherapy (various forms)
- Biological therapy
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
- Antidepressants (when needed)
Physical Therapy
- Stimulation devices to strengthen muscles and regenerate cartilage
- Radiofrequency and cold laser waves
- Shock wave therapy (sigma technique)
- Circulation improvement devices
- Static and dynamic exercises (with or without resistance)
- Muscle stretching and strengthening
- Acupuncture therapy using meridian-based needle placement
Surgery
- Joint repair: Softening or reshaping joint surfaces via arthroscopy
- Joint replacement: Removing damaged joints and inserting artificial ones (hips, knees commonly replaced)
- Joint fusion: Combining joint bone ends to heal as fixed units (used for smaller joints: wrists, ankles, fingers)
Lifestyle & Home Remedies
- Weight loss to reduce joint pressure and strain
- Regular exercise and swimming to maintain joint flexibility
- Heat and cold therapy for pain relief
- Assistive devices (crutches, walkers, high toilet seats) to protect joints and improve daily function
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This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns, please consult with a healthcare provider.