Arthritis Causes and Treatment
Discover the causes of arthritis, including genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Learn about effective treatment options to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
Arthritis is a condition that causes damage to your joints, which are the areas where two bones meet. Over time, some joints naturally wear down as you age, and many people develop arthritis as a result of this normal, ongoing wear and tear. Additionally, some types of arthritis can develop after joint injuries or due to certain health conditions.
Arthritis can impact any joint in the body, but it is most commonly found in the:
Hands and wrists
Knees
Hips
Feet and ankles
Shoulders
Lower back (lumbar spine)
In this blog, we will learn about arthritis and its causes, symptoms and treatment.
Types of Arthritis
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, with some of the most common ones being:
Osteoarthritis: Known as wear-and-tear arthritis, it results from the breakdown of cartilage in the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This type occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the joints.
Gout: Gout causes sharp crystals of uric acid to form in the joints, leading to intense pain.
Ankylosing spondylitis: A form of arthritis that primarily affects the joints near the lower back.
Psoriatic arthritis: This type occurs in individuals who have psoriasis, a skin condition.
Juvenile arthritis: Arthritis that affects children and teenagers under the age of 16.
Causes of Arthritis
The causes of arthritis can vary depending on the type:
Osteoarthritis develops naturally as you age, with years of joint use gradually wearing down the cartilage that cushions them.
Gout occurs when there is an excess of uric acid in your blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia.
In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system mistakenly attacks and damages your joints.
Certain viral infections, including COVID-19, can trigger viral arthritis.
In some cases, arthritis develops without a known cause or trigger, and this is referred to as idiopathic arthritis.
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop arthritis, certain factors can increase your likelihood, including:
Tobacco use: Smoking and using tobacco products raises your risk of developing arthritis.
Family history: If arthritis runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop it yourself.
Activity level: Being physically inactive may increase your chances of developing arthritis.
Other health conditions: Having autoimmune diseases, obesity, or conditions that affect your joints can raise your risk of arthritis.
Certain groups of people are at a higher risk, such as:
Individuals over the age of 50
People assigned female at birth (AFAB)
Athletes, especially those who play contact sports
People with physically demanding jobs or those who perform tasks that put strain on their joints, such as prolonged standing, crouching, or being on hands and knees for long periods.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis include:
Joint pain
Stiffness or limited range of motion (difficulty moving a joint)
Swelling (inflammation)
Skin discoloration around the joint
Tenderness or sensitivity to touch near the joint
A sensation of heat or warmth around the affected joints
Diagnosis of Arthritis
Arthritis is diagnosed through the following methods:
1. Medical History and Physical Examination
To diagnose arthritis, your healthcare provider will begin with a physical exam, examining the affected joints and asking about your symptoms. It's important to share when you first noticed symptoms like pain and stiffness, and if certain activities or times of day make them worse. The provider will likely assess your joint’s range of motion and may compare it to other similar joints (such as your other knee, ankle, or fingers) to identify any abnormalities.
2. Imaging Tests
Your provider may use imaging tests to get detailed images of your joints. Common imaging tests include:
X-ray
Ultrasound
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Computed Tomography (CT) scan
These tests help your provider assess any damage inside the joints and can rule out other possible causes of similar symptoms, like bone fractures.
3. Laboratory Tests
If your provider suspects gout, they may conduct blood tests to measure your uric acid levels. Additionally, blood tests can reveal signs of infections or autoimmune diseases, aiding in the diagnosis and distinguishing arthritis from other conditions.
Treatment Options
The treatment options that are available for arthritis are as follows:
1. Medications
Although there is no cure for arthritis, your healthcare provider will help you manage your symptoms with various treatments. The medications prescribed will depend on the type of arthritis you have, its underlying causes, and which joints are affected. Common arthritis medications include:
Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen
Corticosteroids, including prescription anti-inflammatory medicines and cortisone injections
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for conditions like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis
2. Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy or occupational therapy can help improve strength, range of motion, and movement confidence. These therapies are tailored to assist you in maintaining or enhancing joint function and mobility, allowing you to move more freely and manage daily tasks more effectively.
3. Surgical Interventions
Surgery may be recommended if other treatments do not alleviate your arthritis symptoms. The two most common types of arthritis surgery are joint fusion and joint replacement:
Joint fusion: This procedure involves surgically joining bones together, typically for the spine or ankle.
Joint replacement (arthroplasty): In cases of severe joint damage or bone loss, the damaged joint is replaced with a prosthesis (artificial joint). This can be a partial or total replacement depending on the extent of the damage.
Your healthcare provider or surgeon will discuss which type of surgery is appropriate for your condition and what to expect during the procedure.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Many people explore alternative remedies for arthritis, though evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. The most promising alternatives include:
Acupuncture: Inserting fine needles at specific points on the skin may help reduce pain, including arthritis pain.
Glucosamine: Mixed study results, but some studies show glucosamine can relieve osteoarthritis pain better than a placebo, especially for knee osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin: May offer modest pain relief for osteoarthritis, though results vary.
Fish oil: Some studies suggest it may reduce arthritis symptoms, but it can interact with medications, so consult your doctor before using.
Yoga and Tai Chi: Slow, stretching movements may improve joint flexibility and range of motion.
Massage: Light massage can increase blood flow and temporarily relieve pain. Ensure your therapist is aware of which joints are affected by arthritis.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Management
In many cases, arthritis symptoms can be eased with the following measures:
Weight loss: Reducing excess weight relieves stress on weight-bearing joints, improving mobility and preventing further injury.
Exercise: Regular exercise keeps joints flexible. Swimming and water aerobics are especially helpful due to the buoyancy of water.
Heat and cold: Heating pads and ice packs can provide pain relief.
Assistive devices: Tools like canes, shoe inserts, walkers, and raised toilet seats can protect joints and assist with daily tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while arthritis is a chronic condition that can affect individuals in various ways, there are numerous treatment options available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. From medications and physical therapy to surgical interventions and lifestyle changes, a comprehensive approach can help reduce pain, increase mobility, and enhance overall well-being. Although alternative therapies may offer additional relief, it's essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the most effective treatment plan for your specific type of arthritis. With the right care and management, many people with arthritis are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.
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