Overview
Arthritis is a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement. There are more than 100 types; the two most common are osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) and rheumatoid arthritis.
Its frequency increases with age; more than half of those over 65 have some form of arthritis. It affects millions of people and is a major cause of work disability.
Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear):
The most common type. Caused by erosion of cartilage in the joint. Mostly affects weight-bearing joints (knee, hip, spine) and hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis:
An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joint lining. Causes symmetric (bilateral) joint involvement; often affects small joints (hands, feet).
Other types:
- Gout (uric acid crystals)
- Psoriatic arthritis (with psoriasis)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (spine)
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (in children)
- Septic arthritis (due to infection)
- Lupus arthritis
Symptoms
- Joint pain (worsening or improving with movement)
- Swelling, warmth, redness in the joint
- Morning stiffness (especially over 1 hour in rheumatoid arthritis)
- Reduced range of motion
- Crackling, grinding sound in the joint
- Weakness, fever (in inflammatory types)
- Joint deformity (in advanced stages)
- Fatigue, weight loss
Causes
Osteoarthritis:
- Age-related cartilage erosion
- Joint injuries
- Overuse, weight bearing
- Genetic predisposition
- Obesity
Rheumatoid arthritis:
- Autoimmune reaction
- Genetic factors (HLA-DR4 gene)
- Environmental triggers (smoking, infections)
Gout:
- High uric acid in the blood
- Genetic predisposition
- Diet (red meat, seafood, alcohol)
Risk Factors
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Sex: Rheumatoid arthritis more common in women, gout in men
- Family history
- Joint injuries
- Obesity (especially for knee osteoarthritis)
- Smoking (for rheumatoid arthritis)
- Certain occupations (joint overuse)
- Infections
Complications
- Chronic pain and loss of motion
- Joint deformities
- Disability, loss of work
- Falls and fractures
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease (especially in rheumatoid arthritis)
- Lung involvement (in rheumatoid arthritis)
- Depression, anxiety
When to See a Doctor
- Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness lasting more than 2 weeks
- Symmetric pain in multiple joints
- Joint deformity
- Pain with fever, rash, or weight loss
- Difficulty walking or with daily activities
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis:
- Detailed exam, joint evaluation
- Blood tests (CRP, ESR, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, uric acid, ANA)
- Joint X-ray, MRI, ultrasound
- Joint fluid analysis
Treatment:
1. Medication:
- NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac (for pain and inflammation)
- Paracetamol: For mild pain
- Corticosteroids: Oral or intra-articular injection
- DMARDs: Methotrexate, sulfasalazine (foundation treatment in rheumatoid arthritis)
- Biologic agents: Anti-TNF (etanercept, adalimumab) — in resistant cases
- For gout: Allopurinol, colchicine
2. Physical therapy and exercise:
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Muscle strengthening
- Hot/cold therapy
- Hydrotherapy
3. Surgery:
- Joint replacement (knee, hip)
- Arthroscopy
- Joint fusion
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly (swimming, cycling, walking)
- Protect your joints, prevent injuries
- Maintain proper posture
- Eat a healthy diet (Mediterranean)
- Quit smoking
- Avoid excess meat consumption (gout risk)
- Get enough vitamin D and calcium
- Manage stress