Understanding the Aches and Pains during Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is the inflammation or swelling of one or more joints causing discomfort, pain and reduced mobility. Joints are point where two or more bones meet, such as elbow or knee. Arthritis is not one disease alone, but an umbrella term that describes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints of the body.

Types of arthritis

There are several types of arthritis and specific symptoms vary depending on the type, but it usually includes joint pain and stiffness.

Common ones include the following:

1. Osteoarthritis

It is the most common form of arthritis that causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. It is a long-term condition and is more common in older people. Some people call it degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. In this type of arthritis, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. These changes usually develop slowly, and they worsen over time. The condition can affect any joint in your body, but often it affects the knees, hips, fingers, big toes, ankles, and spine.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

This is a chronic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disorder that can cause pain and swelling in your joints. In this type, your immune system attacks the healthy cells of your body by mistake, causing inflammation and painful swelling in affected parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects smaller joints, such as joints in your hands and feet, but it can also affect large joints like knees and hips.

3. Metabolic arthritis

Commonly known as Gout, this is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that develops due to the accumulation of uric acid in the body. It is very painful and it usually affects one joint at a time (often the big toe joint). The excess build-up of uric acid can form needle-like crystals in the joints that cause sudden and severe inflammation.

4. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)

Also known as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, this is one of the most common types of arthritis affecting children below 16 years of age. It can cause permanent damage to the joints and also lead to disability. This condition occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells & tissues. While the exact cause is of why this happens is unknown, it is believed that both hereditary and environment plays a role. There are various types of JIA, each with distinct features but all of them share general arthritic symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, warmth, and stiffness that last at least 6 weeks.

5. Reactive arthritis

Previously referred as Reiter’s Syndrome, this type of arthritis develops by an infection in another part of the body, commonly the intestines, genitals or urinary tract. While it usually targets the knees, ankles, and feet, the inflammation can also affect eyes, skin, and tube that carry urine out of the body. This condition isn’t common and for most people the signs and symptoms come and goes, eventually disappearing after 12 months. Consult your doctor if you develop joint pain within a month of having infection.

6. Ankylosing spondylitis

Also known as axial spondyloarthritis, this is a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial spine. In this type of arthritis, there’s inflammation in the spine, usually the lower back. It may also affect a person’s hips, knees, and ankles. There’s no cure, but treatment can slow the progression of the disease.

Symptoms

Arthritis symptoms can vary widely depending on its type. However, the most common arthritis symptoms are:

• Pain
• Swelling and redness
• Stiffness
• Decreased range of movement

Arthritis symptoms can be mild to severe and in severe cases, walking and performing daily activities can be painful.

Causes

There is no single cause, and it can vary according to the type of arthritis. However, some of the common causes of arthritis include:

• Heredity
• Injury leading to degenerative arthritis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Obesity
• Muscle weakness
• Wear and tear of joints due to overuse
• Abnormal metabolism causing gout
• Infections

Risk Factors

Factors which increase the risk of developing arthritis are:

• Age: As you get older, the risk of developing types of arthritis increases which includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
• Family history: Some types of arthritis are hereditary. So, if your parents or siblings have arthritis then you are more likely to have it.
• Obesity: People who are obese have a higher risk of developing arthritis as excess weight can put stress on joints, particularly knees, hips, and spine.
• Past joint injury: If you have hurt your joint in the past, you are more likely to develop arthritis in that joint in future.
• Gender: Women are at a higher risk to develop rheumatoid arthritis while men are more likely to develop gout.
• Lifestyle: Lack of exercise, an imbalanced diet, and smoking can increase risk of developing arthritis.

Complications

If left untreated, arthritis can worsen and lead to possible complications, such as:

• Decreased mobility: As arthritis worsens, you will have difficulty walking and performing daily activities. It can also affect your hands or arms.
• Weight gain: You are likely to gain weight due to pain, decreased mobility and lack of exercise.
• Risk of metabolic disorders: Being overweight can increase your chance of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart issues, cholesterol, etc.
• Inflammation: In some types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation can spread to other parts of your body, like eyes, lungs, and blood vessels.
• Risk of falls: In arthritis, your bones become brittle which increases the risk of falls and fractures.
• Effect on mental health: Due to intense pain, inflammation, and restricted mobility, people with arthritis can develop anxiety and depression.

Diagnosis

If you experience any symptoms of arthritis, consult a doctor who will make diagnosis based on following:

• Physical exam: The doctor will check affected joints for swelling, redness, and tenderness along with assessing mobility and range of motion in your joints.
• Blood tests: If the doctor suspects gout or rheumatoid arthritis, he will ask you to undergo blood tests.
• Imaging: To get a clear picture of your bones, joints, and cartilages, the doctor may ask you to get scans like X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan.

Treatment

Though there is no cure for arthritis, there are treatment options available that can help you manage your condition. The doctor will suggest treatment plan depending on the severity of your arthritis, symptoms experienced & your overall health.

Arthritis treatment focuses on managing the condition and preventing further damage to the joints. The treatment includes:

1. Non-Surgical or Conservative treatment

• Medications: Healthcare provider will prescribe medications depending on type of arthritis. Some commonly prescribed drugs include analgesics (to treat pain), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for pain and inflammation), counter-irritants (creams and ointments to lessen pain), steroids (to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system), and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis).
• Physical therapy: Exercise and physical therapy can help strengthen muscles around the joints and improve range of motion and mobility. Therapists can teach you to adjust to your daily activities which will help lessen your arthritic pain.
• Therapeutic injections: Arthritis in certain joints, such as knee may improve by injecting lubricants which help joint move smoothly. This treatment is called Visco supplementation. There are also cortisone shots which may help temporarily relieve pain and inflammation in your joints.

2. Surgical Treatment

Surgery is only recommended in severe cases which haven’t improved with conservative treatment. Surgical options include:

• Fusion: This treatment immobilizes the joint and reduces pain caused by movement. This is done by permanently fusing two or more bones together.
• Joint Replacement: In this option, the damages and arthritic joint gets replaced with an artificial joint which helps preserve joint function & movement. For e.g. knee replacement, hip replacement, ankle replacement, and shoulder replacement.

How can Arthritis be prevented?

In addition to medications, certain lifestyle modifications and home remedies can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. This includes:

• Diet: Some types of foods can help reduce inflammation. These foods include fruits & vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, whole grains, and olive oil. Avoid processed foods, refined carbohydrates and added sugar, as these can worsen inflammation.
• Exercise to stay active: Physical activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming can improve your flexibility and quality of life.
• Weight management: Keeping weight under control is very important as being excess weight puts pressure on your joints. Also, managing your weight can help increase mobility.
• Hot/cold compression: Applying hot or cold packs can relieve pain.
• Assistive devices: For mobility and help protect the joints, those with arthritis can use walkers, canes, raised toilet seats, etc.

Alternative Medicine

• Acupuncture: In this procedure, fine needles are inserted at specific points to reduce different types of pain, including arthritis pain.
• Fish oil: According to some preliminary studies, fish oil supplements may reduce symptoms of some types of arthritis. However, consult your doctor before taking fish oil as it may interfere with medications.
• Yoga and tai chi: Yoga and tai chi may help improve joint flexibility and range of motion as they involve slow stretching movements.
• Massage: Light massage can help improve blood circulation in the affected joints giving temporary relief from pain.

Fast Facts about Arthritis

• There are more than 100 types of arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It most frequently occurs in the hands, hips, and knees.
• While specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, it usually includes joint pain and stiffness.
• Certain risk factors make it more likely that you will develop arthritis.
• Arthritis is common among people with other chronic conditions including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
• There is no cure for arthritis, but it can be treated and managed.

Conclusion

Arthritis can cause moderate to severe pain and restrict your mobility. The symptoms can start slowly and worsen over time if left untreated. If you feel any pain related to arthritis, consult your healthcare provider, who will assess your condition and recommend proper treatment. Based on the type of arthritis and severity of the disease, arthritis treatment can range from medications to physical therapy to surgery to lifestyle modifications.

Source: healthline, nhsinform.scot, cdc.gov, medicalnewstoday, mayoclinic, healthdirect, niams.nih.gov