Arthritis affects approximately 1 in 5 Americans and is commonly associated with age-related wear and tear on the body. The term arthritis refers to inflammation and stiffness in the joints that become painful. There are several different types of arthritis that can affect your joints. Some people are also surprised to learn that aging isn’t the only cause of arthritis. In addition to the wearing down of joint cartilage as you age, arthritis can also be caused by infections or underlying diseases. It is important to find out what type of arthritis you are dealing with so you know how to proceed going forward. Orthopedic doctors can help identify and diagnose your arthritis based on the type of pain and discomfort you are experiencing. Here are the signs and symptoms of the various types of arthritis.
Signs of Arthritis
Cartilage helps support the joints in your body and provides shock absorption for everyday movements. When the cartilage that cushions your joints starts to wear down, you may experience inflammation in the joint. Inflammation and swelling in the joint can restrict your movements, and you may feel stiff and uncomfortable. The specific signs of arthritis will also depend on what joints are affected. If you develop arthritis in your hands and wrists, then you may start to notice pain and difficulty with regular tasks like opening a jar or brushing your hair. Arthritis in your hips, knees, ankles, and feet can make it difficult to walk and get around.
The first sign of arthritis is typically joint pain, known as arthralgia. Joint pain can be dull and aching or more of a sharp, burning sensation. You might notice an increase in pain and discomfort after certain activities that engage affected joints or first thing in the morning after you have rested. Some people also experience pain and aggravated symptoms when it rains or the humidity changes. Along with pain, you will also likely notice your affected joints starting to swell. Inflammation and an increase in synovial fluid that lubricates the joints can contribute to swelling.
Types of Arthritis
The two main types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is a less common type of arthritis. The differences in what causes arthritis will determine what kind of arthritis you are experiencing.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. This is the type of joint pain most people think of when they hear the term arthritis. Osteoarthritis refers to wear and tear on the joints that typically occurs as we age. However, osteoarthritis can also develop due to a sudden joint injury or because of an infection in the joint. The cartilage that cushions and supports the joints help reduce friction and prevents the bone from grinding against another bone. When that cartilage wears down or is damaged, it can cause the lining of the joints to become inflamed and swollen. Inflammation in the joints is what causes the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is different than osteoarthritis because it actually has a different cause. This type of arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s own immune system attacks the lining of joints called the synovial membrane. Rheumatoid arthritis causes this joint lining to become inflamed and swollen. This disease is known as a chronic inflammatory disorder that starts in the joints and can go on to affect other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis typically starts in the fingers and toes, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. You can also experience fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath with rheumatoid arthritis.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs in people who have a disease known as psoriasis. Psoriasis causes red patches and silvery scales to develop on the skin and is a chronic disease. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in those who have psoriasis. This type of arthritis typically affects your extremities like your fingertips and can also affect the spine. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can come and go, meaning you may have flare ups followed by periods of remission.
Keeping Track of Your Arthritis Symptoms
To help determine what type of arthritis you are dealing with, it helps to keep track of your symptoms in a journal or diary. Make a note of what symptoms you notice and what time of day they occur. Rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10 throughout your day and keep track of what may make your pain worse or feel better. It also helps to keep track of your regular activities, including what movements and range of motion may be impacted by your pain and other symptoms of arthritis. Your doctor will want to know how often you experience pain with arthritis, the intensity of the pain, and what triggers pain and other symptoms. Also, make note if you see any redness or swelling in your joints. While osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, if you are experiencing fever or rash with your symptoms, then this can help indicate if you are experiencing another type of arthritis.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Arthritis
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to check your joints and look for swelling, redness, and reduced range of motion. Orthopedic doctors can diagnose all types of arthritis and provide you with a personalized treatment plan for your specific type and symptoms. They may use diagnostic imaging tools like MRIs or CT scans to get a more detailed look at your affected joints and determine the extent of your arthritis. Your doctor will then use this information to create a comprehensive plan of care to address your arthritis. Treating arthritis typically includes a combination of treatment techniques to help reduce pain, swelling, and other symptoms, as well as improve joint function. Visit AICA Orthopedics in Tucker to meet with our team of orthopedic doctors and learn more about how we can with lasting symptom relief from arthritis.