The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines arthritis as difficulty moving, a constant feeling of pain and inflammation in the joints, and stiffness in the body . They indicate that if all of these symptoms are present, there is a high probability of having arthritis.
It's important to note that this condition encompasses more than 100 rheumatic diseases and disorders, with osteoarthritis being the most common. Among the most common forms are osteoarthritis (which affects older adults), rheumatoid arthritis , lupus , fibromyalgia , and gout . Signs of arthritis can appear at any time in life.
Below, we'll discuss its causes, diagnosis, and treatment . Remember that this article is not a substitute for medical consultation; it's merely informative and advisory. If you experience any of the symptoms described below, it's recommended that you visit a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
What causes arthritis?
A joint is the place where one bone moves over another, and ligaments act like elastic bands to hold those two bones together. As this happens, muscles relax or contract to make the joint move.
The cartilage that covers the surface of the bone prevents direct friction between the bones. The cartilage covering allows the joint to function smoothly and painlessly. In this space, called the joint cavity, there is a fluid that nourishes the joint and the cartilage, creating a kind of natural lubrication .
When you suffer from any of these medical conditions, it's because your joints are malfunctioning . The cause will depend on the type of arthritis you have, but it may be due to possible wear and tear on the cartilage due to a lack of lubrication, autoimmunity (the body attacks itself), an infection , or a combination of several factors.
The most common types of arthritis occur due to a combination of factors, which, when combined, can contribute to a higher risk of developing it.
- Genetic makeup.
- Physically demanding work, especially if it involves repetitive movements.
- A previous wound.
- Infections or allergic reactions can cause short-term arthritis (when caused by an infection, it is known as reactive arthritis).
- Certain foods can trigger symptoms of arthritis or worsen existing symptoms.
- Obesity, as it places additional strain on the joints.
- An autoimmune disease.
Types of Arthritis and Symptoms
Below is a description of the most common types of arthritis, shared by the health site Medline Plus , along with a brief description of their causes and symptoms.
- Osteoarthritis : This is the most common type of arthritis and is usually related to aging or a pre-existing injury. As the cartilage loses elasticity, it's likely to suffer some type of damage. As this happens, the tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain.
- Rheumatoid or autoimmune arthritis: This is an inflammatory form of arthritis. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. If left untreated, it can cause malformations. This type of arthritis is more common in women and strikes between the ages of 40 and 60. However, children and some older adults can also be affected. Patients often notice that the same joints on each side of the body are painfully swollen, inflamed, and stiff. The fingers, arms, legs, and wrists are most commonly affected.
- Infectious arthritis: This is an infection of the synovial fluid and tissues of a joint. It is usually caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by fungi or viruses. The patient experiences fever, inflammation, and swelling in the joints. They will experience tenderness and/or sharp pain. These symptoms are often linked to an injury or other illness.
- Juvenile arthritis : This condition occurs in children and adolescents and causes joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. While it can affect any joint, it is most common in the knees, hands, and feet.
- Psoriatic arthritis : This condition affects people with psoriasis. Many people with this diagnosis experience pain, joint swelling, and morning stiffness.
- Gout : This is a very painful type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid accumulates excessively in the body. It usually begins in the big toe. The pain can come on suddenly and can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night feeling very hot, swollen, and tender in the affected joint—so much so that even the sheets hurt.
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Physical therapy and occupational therapy for arthritis
Both physical and occupational therapy help maintain joint mobility and range of motion. The amount and type of therapy will depend on many factors, such as the severity and type of arthritis, the patient's age, and overall health.
People with this condition will often avoid moving the affected joint due to pain. Therefore, a physical therapist can be very helpful in reducing stiffness and achieving a good range of motion. The professional can teach you how to best change positions and learn to walk with assistance, such as crutches, a cane, or a walker.
Occupational therapy will teach the patient how to reduce the stress on their joints as they perform their daily activities. The occupational therapist will help modify their home and workplace so that their movements don't aggravate their arthritis. It will also be important for the patient to learn how and when to rest , as rest is crucial for managing inflammation and pain, especially when multiple joints are affected.
The Mayo Clinic warns that physical activity can improve symptoms , as inactivity can severely harm the health of most patients with arthritis or some type of rheumatic disease. Once muscles weaken without exercise, joints become stiffer, and the patient's pain tolerance decreases.
Patients diagnosed with some form of arthritis who are physically active generally enjoy better health, are happier, live longer, rest better at night, and notice significant improvements in their body's daily functioning and overall energy levels.
