Live your healthiest, most pain-free life with expert arthritis care.
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Understanding what arthritis is, its different types, and the available treatment options can help you take control of your joint health.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can affect any joint in the body — most commonly the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common include:
- Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease): Wear-and-tear arthritis caused by breakdown of cartilage.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own joints.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Associated with psoriasis, causing skin and joint inflammation.
- Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal buildup in the joints, often in the big toe.
Signs and Symptoms
Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the type, but common signs include:
- Joint Pain: Persistent or activity-related pain.
- Swelling: Puffiness and inflammation around joints.
- Stiffness: Often worse in the morning or after rest.
- Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty bending, flexing, or fully moving joints.
- Warmth and Redness: Inflamed joints may feel hot or appear discolored.
Causes and Risk Factors
Arthritis can result from a combination of factors, such as:
- Age: Risk increases with age.
- Genetics: Family history can predispose you to arthritis.
- Previous Injuries: Joint trauma can lead to early wear and tear.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases stress on weight-bearing joints.
- Autoimmune Disease: Some types are triggered by immune system dysfunction.
Diagnosis of Arthritis
Diagnosis may involve:
- Medical history and physical exam to assess pain and stiffness.
- Imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) to detect joint changes or cartilage loss.
- Blood tests to check for autoimmune markers or uric acid buildup.
- Joint fluid analysis to rule out infection or gout.
Treatment Options for Arthritis
Conservative Approaches
- Exercise: Strengthens muscles and reduces stiffness.
- Physical Therapy: Custom stretches and mobility training.
- Weight Management: Reduces stress on joints.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Helps ease pain and swelling.
Medications
- Pain Relievers (NSAIDs, acetaminophen): Manage mild to moderate pain.
- DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs): Slow autoimmune arthritis progression.
- Biologics: Target specific immune responses in rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
Pain Medicine Interventions
- Corticosteroid Injections: Fast anti-inflammatory relief in painful joints.
- Guided Injections (ultrasound or fluoroscopy): Precise placement for maximum effectiveness.
Surgical Options
- Joint Replacement (hip, knee, shoulder): Damaged joints replaced with artificial ones.
- Joint Fusion: In select cases, stabilizes and reduces pain in smaller joints.
Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), is the most common type of arthritis.
- Caused by cartilage breakdown, leading to bones rubbing together.
- Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of flexibility.
- Commonly affects knees, hips, spine, and hands.
- Treatments: Physical therapy, NSAIDs, weight loss, injections, and joint replacement if severe.
Related Conditions & Symptoms
Conclusion
Arthritis may cause pain and limit mobility, but with the right treatment plan, many people maintain an active and fulfilling life. At MayWell Health, our team provides personalized care — from conservative therapies to advanced interventions — helping you move better and live pain-free.
