Arthritis is a complex and common disease that affects old and young alike. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults in the United States has arthritis. It is also currently the leading cause of disability in America.
Many think arthritis is simply caused by wear and tear or is the natural result of aging. Arthritis can be a debilitating—and often misunderstood, disease.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not a singular disease, but rather a descriptor of many different painful conditions. There are over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. The meaning of the word “arthritis” is inflammation of the joint, and there are four distinct types of arthritis.
Degenerative Arthritis
Degenerative Arthritis is also known as Osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and 62% of people with osteoarthritis are women.
Cause: Injury, Wear & Tear, Obesity
- As cartilage wears away, bone rubs against bone, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Some common arthritis joint symptoms include stiffness, swelling, pain, and decreased range of motion.
Inflammatory Arthritis
This type of arthritis is due to an overactive immune system, and it is also known as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Inflammatory forms of arthritis are less common than osteoarthritis, but no less painful. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout are well-known examples of inflammatory arthritis.
Cause: Overactive immune system, Genetics
- A healthy immune system creates internal inflammation to rid the body of infection and to prevent disease. With inflammatory types of arthritis, the immune system doesn’t work properly and attacks the joints. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, limited mobility, and joint damage.
Infectious Arthritis
This form of arthritis is also called Septic Arthritis ,and it occurs when an infection from another part of the body spreads to a joint.
Cause: Bacteria, Viruses or Fungus that infect the body
- Infection-causing germs that enter the body through wounds or during surgery can cause infectious arthritis. Although the joint infection can be treated with antibiotics, the arthritis may linger or become chronic. Symptoms of infectious arthritis include fever, swelling, redness, extreme discomfort and difficulty using the affected joint.
Metabolic Arthritis
Metabolic arthritis is the result of Metabolic Diseases that cause chronic inflammation of joints and a buildup of uric acid in the body.
Cause: Obesity, Diabetes and Hypertension
- Uric acid is formed as the body breaks down purines, a substance found in both food and human cells. When too much uric acid builds up, it forms needle-like crystals in the joint. This can then cause a sudden burst of extreme pain or gout attack. Chronic pain or disability can occur with this form of arthritis if uric acid levels are not reduced over time.
In both infectious and metabolic cases of arthritis, the onset cause must be diagnosed and treated first. In some patients the painful joints may become a chronic condition that requires additional treatment.
Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis, but that is where their similarities end. Although both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect the joints, they’re very different forms of the same condition. OA is primarily a degenerative joint condition, and RA is an autoimmune condition.
The main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the joint symptoms and discomfort.
Osteoarthritis is caused by cartilage damage from wear and tear or trauma, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints and tissues.
Reducing risk of arthritis
Not all forms of arthritis are preventable, but there are many ways to reduce the risk. Arthritis is an inflammation condition, so reducing inflammation helps all forms of this disease.
Maintain Healthy Diet and Weight
The right foods not only fight inflammation, but also can keep the pounds off and keep arthritis at bay.
- Benefits: Avoid wear and tear to knees and hips from the extra pounds that put pressure on these weight-bearing joints.
Drink Water
Staying adequately hydrated can help with preventing and managing arthritis flare-ups. Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
- Benefits: Hydration helps flush toxins out of the body, which can help fight inflammation. Adequate water intake also helps keep joints well lubricated.
Control Blood Sugar Levels
People with diabetes are almost twice as likely to develop arthritis.
- Benefits: Unmanaged diabetes can cause arthritic complications. Foods low in uric acid can help balance blood sugar and prevent arthritic pains.
Exercise Everyday
Staying active any age keeps you limber and may reduce blood glucose levels.
- Benefits: Daily activity that includes stretching can keep the body flexible and may help to avoid injuries and falls.
Seek Preventive Care
Annual check-ups and visits when pain persists can help in early diagnosis and earlier treatment of arthritis.
- Benefits: With earlier diagnosis, more treatment possibilities are available. Seeking treatment for arthritis before permanent damage is key.
World Arthritis Day
More than 350 million people have arthritis globally. World Arthritis Day (WAD) is a global awareness day held every year on 12 October. World Arthritis Day’s goal is to help raise awareness about the symptoms and treatment options for arthritis.
Living with arthritis can take a toll on an individual’s quality of life. WAD aims to help those undiagnosed or misdiagnosed find ways to access care and resources that help individuals manage their arthritis.
World Arthritis Day Resources
Many organizations take part in this annual day of awareness, and you can get involved, too.
Educate yourself. EULAR will feature Podcasts dedicated to helping those with arthritis stay active in the workforce.
Get social: Spread the world and be an arthritis awareness advocate. #CUREARTHRITISWAD
Early diagnosis leads to treatment possibilities
The most important first step in treating arthritis is an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the joint pain. Early diagnosis can lead to better treatment possibilities and may prevent permanent joint erosion or damage.
