What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term that means joint problems. Your joints are where two bones meet, such as your knees, hips, or fingers. With arthritis, these joints often become sore, stiff, and swollen, making everyday movement more difficult.
Common Types of Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Known as “wear and tear”.
- The protective cushion (cartilage) between bones wears down over time.
- Very common in older adults.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its joints.
- Causes swelling, stiffness, and sometimes deformity in fingers, wrists, and hands.
- Gout
- Caused by extra uric acid in the body.
- The acid forms sharp crystals inside joints, often starting in the big toe.
- Leads to sudden, severe pain and swelling.
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Linked with the skin condition psoriasis.
- Affects both joints and skin, causing stiffness and skin patches.
Symptoms
- Joint pain and tenderness
- Morning stiffness or difficulty moving
- Swelling in the joints
- Warmth or redness around the joint (in inflammatory types)
- Reduced flexibility or range of motion
Risk Factors
- Age: More common as you get older.
- Genetics: Can run in families.
- Weight: Extra body weight puts stress on joints.
- Injury: Old injuries may lead to arthritis later.
- Autoimmune conditions: Can trigger types like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
How to Manage Arthritis
- Stay Active: Low-impact exercise like walking, stretching, or swimming helps keep joints flexible.
- Healthy Weight: Less stress on your joints means less pain.
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage symptoms.
- Therapy: Physical or occupational therapy improves movement and daily function.
- Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement may be needed.
Final Thoughts
Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, but with the right steps, it can be managed. Knowing the type of arthritis and taking action early can reduce pain, improve movement, and protect your joints for the future.