Arthritis 101: Understanding the Different Types and Treatments

27 March,2024

Arthritis—the word itself can strike fear into the hearts of many. Images of stiffness, pain, and a restricted life often come to mind. But for the millions of people worldwide living with various forms of arthritis, it's a daily reality. While there may not be a cure, there's so much you can do to manage the condition and live a life brimming with joy and fulfillment.

This blog is your guide to navigating arthritis. We'll go beyond managing pain and explore strategies to empower you to thrive.

Some key facts about arthritis: 

• Globally, 595 million people are suffering from osteoarthritis. 
• There are 100+ different types of arthritis.
• Women are more prone to arthritis than men. Around 60% of diagnosed cases are female and 40% are male. 
• Females who are overweight can cut their risk of developing osteoarthritis by 50% just by losing 4.5 kgs.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a type of joint disease marked by inflammation. It affects people of all ethnicities, ages, and genders and is one of the key causes of disability worldwide. The condition causes redness and swelling of the joint.

A joint is where two or more bones meet. The body has various sorts of joints, such as pivot joints, hinge joints, ball and socket joints, and gliding joints. Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness/rigidity in any joint.

Common body parts where arthritis develops are – 

• Hands and wrists
• Feet and ankles
• Hips
• Knees
• Lumbar spine (lower back)
• Shoulders

What are the Different Types of Arthritis?

The scientists have already discovered more than 100 different types of arthritis. Some of the most frequently diagnosed types include – 

• Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is a degenerative "wear-and-tear" condition. Over time, the cartilage cushioning your joints breaks down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It typically affects the spine, knees, hips, and hands.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease, RA causes the body's immune system to attack healthy joint tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, swelling, and joint deformity. RA can affect any joint, but it commonly affects the hands, wrists, and knees symmetrically.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Often linked to the skin condition psoriasis, PsA causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can affect any joint but commonly targets the hands, feet, spine, and nails.
• Gout: Sudden and intense attacks of joint pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness characterize gout. It occurs due to the collection of uric acid crystals in the joints, primarily affecting the big toe.
• Juvenile Arthritis (JA): Children aged 16 and younger can develop juvenile arthritis, a type of rheumatic disease. Most juvenile arthritis is an autoinflammatory or autoimmune disorder and can affect the skin, eyes, internal organs, and bone. 
• Fibromyalgia: While not a true form of arthritis, as it doesn't cause joint damage, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes musculoskeletal pain, along with fatigue, sleep problems, and mood issues.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

The symptoms of arthritis can be gradual or sudden, depending upon the particular type. Arthritis is a chronic disease, and consulting an orthopedic specialist becomes crucial if you have the following symptoms – 

• Pain: Joint pain is among the most common signs of arthritis. It may come and go or be persistent and can be felt at a particular location or in multiple body parts.
• Stiffness: Rigidness or stiffness in the joints is another prominent symptom of arthritis. Like pain, you may feel stiffness at a particular time of day or be constant. 
• Swelling: Some forms of arthritis can cause swelling, redness, and warmth on the skin of the affected joint.
• Reduced Mobility: Arthritis is often associated with difficulty moving the affected joint. It becomes hard to do everyday tasks such as climbing stairs, walking, and getting in and out of bed. 

These are general signs and symptoms of arthritis. Certain types of arthritis can show specific symptoms, such as juvenile arthritis, which causes eye and skin problems, and septic arthritis, which causes fever. 

What are the Risk Factors of Arthritis?

Arthritis can affect anyone. However, some factors have been associated with an increased chance of developing the disease. These risk factors are –

• Tobacco Consumption: Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for arthritis and related bone disorders. 
• Obesity: Being overweight puts an extra burden on the body's weight-bearing joints, like the hips and knees. Losing excess weight reduces the chances of arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis. 
• Family History: Arthritis is known to run in the family. People whose biological family members have had arthritis in the past are more prone to develop it in the future. 
• Age and Gender: Your risk of developing arthritis increases with age. Women are more likely to develop most forms of arthritis, but gout is an exception, as it is more prominent in men. 
• Activity Levels and Injuries: A sedentary lifestyle is also linked to arthritis. The risk of osteoarthritis also increases with repetitive injuries during sports, job, or other activities.

How is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Doctors specializing in bone diseases make the diagnosis of arthritis. The first step towards diagnosing arthritis is a physical exam. The orthopedic doctor will ask you about symptoms and check the affected joint's range of motion and the pain's intensity.

Further, they will order laboratory tests, which may include – 

• Antinuclear Antibody Test: The ANA test checks the levels of antibodies in the blood.
• CBC or Complete Blood Count: This checks if your white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelet levels are normal.
• Sedimentation Rate: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate or ESR test can find inflammation.
• RF (Rheumatoid Factor) and CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide) Antibody Tests: RF and CCP tests can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and assess its severity.
• Uric Acid: Checking the amount of uric acid in the blood helps diagnose gout.

Imaging tests for diagnosing different types of arthritis are – 

• X-rays: X-rays use low levels of radiation to examine bone. It can show bone damage, cartilage loss, and bone spurs. X-rays often help track the progression of the disease.
• Computerized Tomography (CT): CT scanners take X-ray images from different angles and combine them to create cross-sectional views. They help visualize bone and the surrounding tissues.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans produce more crisp images of the bone and soft tissues, such as tendons, cartilage, and ligaments.
• Ultrasound: It uses high-frequency sound waves to make pictures of cartilage and other soft tissues in the joints.

How is Arthritis Treated?

There is no cure for arthritis to date, but your orthopedic doctor will help you find the best treatment to manage your symptoms. The treatment plan depends on the cause of the arthritis, its type, and the affected joint. Common treatment modalities for arthritis are – 

Natural Remedies

• Diet: Certain foods can help reduce joint inflammation. They contain nutrients known to support bone health. For people struggling with arthritis, a diet containing fish, nuts and seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, and beans is recommended.
• Physical Therapy: Joint-friendly exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling help improve the range of motion and mobility of arthritis patients. Although patients may feel an increase in pain when beginning these exercises, continuing physical therapy can reduce long-term symptoms. 
• Supplements: Orthopedic doctors also advise adding herbal medicines and supplements, such as glucosamine, devil's claw, Boswellia, chamomile, turmeric, and ginger, to one's daily diet. These have been shown to relieve joint pain and inflammation in many patients. 

Medicines

• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs help reduce swelling (inflammation) and pain. Most are available over the counter (OTC). Ibuprofen and naproxen are the most widely used NSAIDs for arthritis. 
• Analgesics: These medicines do not affect inflammation but help reduce pain. Examples are acetaminophen and tramadol.
• Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs are used to treat rheumatic arthritis. They help slow and stop the body's immune system from attacking the joints. Methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine are the first choice of treatment. 
• Counterirritants: Rubbing creams and sprays containing menthol or capsaicin help modulate pain signals from the joint.
• Steroids: Corticosteroids like prednisolone and cortisone help reduce inflammation and repress the immune system.

Surgery

• Joint Repair is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure in which the orthopedic surgeon realigns the joint or smoothes its surface to reduce pain and swelling. 
• Joint Fusion: Arthrodesis or fusion surgery helps treat arthritis affecting smaller joints such as fingers, ankles, and wrists. The surgery involves removing the diseased cartilage between two bones and fusing them together to form one bone. 
• Joint Replacement: As the name suggests, joint replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged and pain-causing joint with an artificial one. A prosthesis made of ceramic, polyethylene, and metals recreates the natural joint. Joint replacement surgery treats arthritis of large joints such as the hip, knee, and shoulder. 

How to Cope Up With Arthritis?

You are the captain of your ship when it comes to managing your arthritis. While your doctor's guidance is essential, you should actively participate in your healthcare journey. Here's how:

Taking Control of Your Health:

• Educate Yourself: Learn everything you can about your specific type of arthritis, including treatment options, potential side effects, and healthy lifestyle modifications.
• Explore Treatment Options: Medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and alternative therapies (acupuncture and massage) can all help manage symptoms. 

Moving Your Body – Wisely:

Regular physical activity strengthens muscles that support your joints, improves flexibility, and reduces pain. Here are some key points to remember:

• Choose Low-Impact Activities: Focus on gentle exercises that do not impact your joints, such as swimming, walking, yoga, or tai chi.
• Listen to Your Body: Start slow, gradually increase intensity, and focus on your body's signals. Don't push yourself through pain.

Fuelling Your Body for Joint Health:

What you put on your plate directly impacts your arthritis. Embrace an anti-inflammatory diet rich in:

• Vegetables and Fruits are rich in compounds known as antioxidants, which fight inflammation. Opt for colorful varieties like berries, cherries, and leafy greens.
• Whole Grains: It is advisable to choose whole grains over refined ones for sustained energy and fiber.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon, and sardines contain plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, which can significantly reduce inflammation.

Prioritizing Restorative Sleep:

Sleep is a necessity for managing arthritis and overall health. Here's how to prioritize a good night's sleep:

• Have a Regular Sleep Schedule: Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
• Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: End your day with calming activities like deep breathing exercises, warm baths, or reading a book.

The Bottom Line

Arthritis – the word itself can create images of achy joints and limited mobility. Encompassing over 100 conditions, it's a common culprit behind joint pain, affecting millions worldwide. While there's no cure, understanding arthritis and taking charge of your health empowers you to manage it effectively. Talk to an orthopedic doctor who can guide you through the treatment plan and help you have a better quality of life.