Arthritis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide. It causes joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness that often worsen as people age. Two main types exist: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage protecting bone ends breaks down over time. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks joint linings.
Other forms of arthritis include:
- Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal buildup in joints.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Linked to the skin condition psoriasis.
- Lupus Arthritis: Part of the autoimmune disease lupus.
The symptoms vary by type but usually include:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Reduced range of motion
Treatment approaches focus on managing symptoms and improving patients’ quality of life. Options differ based on the specific arthritis type, severity, and individual needs.
Types
Arthritis comes in many forms, affecting people of all ages. Here are the main types:
- Osteoarthritis: The most common form, involving cartilage breakdown.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Affects people with psoriasis.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: Primarily affects the spine.
- Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal buildup in joints.
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Affects children under 16.
- Reactive Arthritis: Triggered by infections elsewhere in the body.
- Septic Arthritis: Joint infection requiring immediate treatment.
- Thumb Arthritis: Affects the joint at the base of the thumb.
Signs of Joint Pain
Joint issues manifest through a variety of distinct symptoms. These include:
- Pain in the joint area
- Stiffness when moving
- Swelling around joints
- Redness of the skin near joints
- Limited movement in affected joints
These symptoms may vary depending on the type of joint condition you have.
What Causes Joint Pain
Breakdown of Joint Cartilage
Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage covering bone ends wears down over time. This cartilage normally allows bones to move smoothly against each other. When damaged, bones can rub directly together, causing pain and limiting movement.
The damage typically develops slowly over many years. However, joint injuries or infections can speed up this process. Besides affecting cartilage, osteoarthritis changes the bones themselves and weakens the connective tissues that:
- Attach muscles to bones
- Hold joints together
- Support overall joint structure
When cartilage damage becomes severe, the joint lining often becomes inflamed and swollen, further increasing pain and stiffness.
Immune System Attack on Joints
Rheumatoid arthritis differs because it is an autoimmune condition. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint capsule lining (synovial membrane). This tough membrane surrounds all parts of the joint.
When attacked, this lining becomes:
- Inflamed
- Swollen
- Painful
If left untreated, this ongoing inflammation can eventually damage both the cartilage and bone within the joint. Unlike osteoarthritis, which mainly results from wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis stems from the body’s immune system functioning incorrectly.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your chance of developing arthritis:
Family Background: If your parents or siblings have arthritis, you might be more likely to get it.
Getting Older: Your risk grows as you age, especially for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Gender Differences: Women tend to develop rheumatoid arthritis more often, while gout appears more frequently in men.
Past Joint Damage: Injuring a joint earlier in life, such as during sports activities, can lead to arthritis in that same joint later on.
Extra Body Weight: Carrying too much weight puts added pressure on your joints, particularly in the knees, hips, and spine. People who have obesity face higher arthritis risk.
These factors don’t guarantee you’ll develop arthritis, but they can increase your chances of joint problems over time.
Complications
Severe arthritis can greatly affect daily life. It can impact hands or arms, making simple tasks challenging. Pain in weight-bearing joints often makes walking uncomfortable and proper sitting difficult.
Over time, joints may change shape and lose proper alignment. This can further limit mobility and increase discomfort.
