Arthritis is a broad term for joint-related conditions that cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. While many people associate it with age or wear and tear, there are actually over 100 types of arthritis, each with unique characteristics and challenges. Understanding the most common types and their symptoms can help with managing them effectively. Here’s a closer look at some of the primary forms of arthritis and what you need to know about each.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often associated with aging. OA develops as the protective cartilage between bones gradually wears away, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. It often affects weight-bearing joints but can occur in any joint.
• Symptoms: Osteoarthritis typically starts with mild joint pain and stiffness, especially after physical activity or at the end of the day. Over time, these symptoms can become more intense and constant. You may notice swelling, a “grating” or crunching feeling in the joint, and a limited range of motion.
• Commonly Affected Joints: OA commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Managing OA often involves lifestyle changes, such as regular low-impact exercise, weight management, and physical therapy to maintain joint function. In more advanced cases, medications or even joint replacement surgery may be considered.
Being an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system unintentionally targets the joints. RA can grow more quickly and create widespread inflammation, in contrast to OA, which develops gradually. RA mostly damages the joint lining, resulting in excruciating swelling that may eventually lead to joint deformity.
• Symptoms: RA symptoms often start with joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning, lasting for more than an hour. It typically affects both sides of the body symmetrically (such as both hands or both knees). Other symptoms may include fatigue, fever, and a general feeling of unwellness.
• Commonly Affected Joints: RA usually starts in the smaller joints, such as those in the fingers and toes, but can spread to larger joints over time.
Since RA is a progressive condition, early treatment is crucial. Disease-modifying medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring by a healthcare provider, like a physician in Germantown, can help slow the disease’s progression and protect joint health.
Some patients who have psoriasis, a skin disorder that results in red, scaly areas, also have psoriatic arthritis. Although not everyone who has psoriasis will get PsA, it’s thought that about 30% of people with psoriasis may get this kind of arthritis. Any joint in the body may be impacted by PsA, and tendons and ligaments may also be impacted.
• Symptoms: People with PsA may experience joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in the fingers, toes, lower back, or neck. Unique to PsA, fingers or toes may become swollen, giving them a “sausage-like” appearance. Skin and nail symptoms, such as pitting or separation of the nail from the nail bed, are also common.
• Commonly Affected Joints: PsA often targets the joints in the hands, feet, spine, and lower back.
Managing PsA typically involves treating both skin and joint symptoms. Medications, lifestyle adjustments, and in some cases, biologics can help reduce inflammation and slow joint damage.
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, leading to sudden and intense pain. It’s often associated with dietary factors, but genetics and certain medications can also play a role. Gout attacks can be incredibly painful and are often concentrated in one joint.
• Symptoms: A gout attack often starts suddenly and causes severe pain, redness, and swelling in the affected joint, most commonly the big toe. The pain tends to occur at night or early in the morning and can be so intense that even a light touch may be unbearable. Between attacks, symptoms may disappear, but gout can worsen if left untreated.
• Commonly Affected Joints: Gout frequently affects the big toe but can also affect other joints like the ankles, knees, and wrists.
Treating gout often involves dietary changes, like reducing purine-rich foods (such as red meat and alcohol), medications to reduce uric acid levels, and lifestyle adjustments. Managing weight and staying hydrated can also help prevent future attacks.
Juvenile arthritis is a term used for arthritis in children under 16, with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) being the most common form. JA affects a child’s joints and can interfere with growth and development, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.
• Symptoms: JA symptoms vary but commonly include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in the morning or after naps. Children may experience fatigue, fever, and a loss of appetite. In some cases, JA can also cause growth issues or joint deformities if untreated.
• Commonly Affected Joints: JA can affect any joint, but knees, wrists, and ankles are often involved.
Treatment for JA focuses on controlling pain, reducing inflammation, and maintaining joint function. Physical therapy and medications are often used to help children lead active lives and reduce the risk of long-term joint damage.
At Germantown Primary HealthCare, we take a patient-centered approach to treating arthritis and rheumatic conditions, providing customized solutions to help manage joint pain effectively. Our board-certified arthritis specialists in Germantown are dedicated to delivering the highest level of care, ensuring patients have access to the best arthritis treatment near them. Additionally, with on-site bone density testing, we make it convenient to receive personalized osteoporosis therapy without the wait times of off-site labs. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, timely care to support you in managing arthritis and improving your quality of life.
