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What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that causes damage to your joints. Joints are places in your body where two bones meet. Some joints naturally wear down as you age. Lots of people develop arthritis after that normal, lifelong wear and tear. Some types of arthritis happen after injuries that damage a joint. Arthritis can affect any joint but is most common in people’s hands and wrists, knees, hips, feet and ankles, shoulders, and lower back (lumbar spine).

At What Age Does Arthritis Usually Start?

Arthritis can develop at any age. When it starts depends on which type you have and what’s causing it. In general, osteoarthritis affects adults older than 50. Rheumatoid arthritis usually develops in adults age 30 to 60. Other types that have a more direct cause usually start closer to that specific trigger. For example, people with post-traumatic arthritis don’t develop it until after their joints are injured, and gout doesn’t develop until after you’ve had high uric acid levels for at least several months.

What Does Arthritis Feel Like?

Arthritis pain varies depending on the type you have and which parts of your body are most affected. Arthritis can often feel like:

1. Your joints are stiff and hard to move, especially after you have been inactive for a while.

2. The area surrounding your joints is swollen or warm to the touch.

3. Your joints are painful or sore when you move or touch them.

Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis?

Knuckle cracking does not cause arthritis. Joint "cracking" can result from a negative pressure pulling nitrogen gas temporarily into the joint, such as when knuckles are "cracked." This is not harmful. "Cracking" sounds can also be heard if tendons snap over tissues because of minor adjustments in their gliding paths. This can occur with aging as muscle mass and action change.

If cracking is accompanied by pain, there could be underlying abnormalities of the structures of the joint, such as loose cartilage or injured ligaments. Some patients with arthritis (inflammation of joints, usually painful), bursitis, or tendinitis notice "cracking" sounds due to the snapping of irregular, swollen tissues.

Can Arthritis Be Cured?

Arthritis has no cure, but many treatments are available to help people manage and reduce symptoms of the condition. Treatments vary depending on the type and severity of arthritis. Possible treatments include medications, heat and cold therapy, massage, acupuncture, and surgery. Without proper treatment, a person with arthritis may have an increased risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease, joint damage, and widespread inflammation. With treatment, a person can manage the symptoms and have a better quality of life.

Does Arthritis Hurt All the Time?

The type of arthritis you have and its severity determine whether you’ll experience pain all the time or at intervals. In Rheumatoid arthritis, the pain is usually constant and may worsen with periods of activity, while in Osteoarthritis, the pain is often intermittent, flaring up after overuse or physical activity, or there is arthritis pain when resting. However, it is essential to note that both types of arthritis can cause pain that can come and go at any time. You may even experience arthritis pain at night too.

The severity of arthritis pain also varies from person to person. It can range from mild discomfort to debilitating, chronic pain that interferes with daily life. Other factors like weather changes, anxiety, and stress may lead to fluctuations of pain or discomfort in the joints. Your lifestyle, including your diet, physical activity, and stress levels, may also impact the severity and frequency of arthritis pain.

Is Arthritis Hereditary?

All types of arthritis are hereditary in some way. So if someone in your family has arthritis, your chances of getting that type of arthritis someday are higher (but not 100%).  The risk is highest if the family member is a first-degree relative, like a birth parent or sibling. It’s lower for other types of relatives, like cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Examples of arthritis that can be hereditary are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Does Cold Weather Affect Arthritis?

Yes, it isn’t just your imagination. Arthritis pain feels worse in colder weather due to changes in barometric pressure that negatively impacts joints. Barometric atmosphere pressure can be described as the weight that the atmosphere puts on objects. As this pressure fluctuates during winter months, our tissues begin to expand and contract. As our tissues expand, increased pressure is put onto our nerves. This can lead to heightened pain signals that result in joint pain.

Is Arthritis a Disability?

Disability poses significant challenges to people living with arthritis. Early detection and treatment can help prevent it. Ignoring your symptoms will worsen your long-term outlook. If you suspect you have arthritis, make an appointment with your doctor. If arthritis makes it hard to complete daily tasks, you may have developed an arthritis-related disability. Ask your doctor for more information about disability laws and support resources. You may qualify for special accommodations to help you manage your condition.

Can You Die From Arthritis?

Arthritis alone does not cause death, but some of the complications that result from it are linked to early mortality. If you have symptoms of arthritis or feel that your symptoms are out of control, do not worry. You are not alone, and there are many resources to help you cope with your condition. The best thing you can do is ask for help. Ask your loved ones for support or consider joining a support group. Additionally, maintain close communication with your healthcare provider and ensure that you follow a recommended treatment plan to manage your arthritic symptoms so that you can live a long, healthy, and enjoyable life.

Types of Arthritis

There are several types of arthritis. Common ones include the following.

1. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine.

2. Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs as flares, typically in your big toe or a lower limb.

3. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common type of chronic arthritis that affects children.

4. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is more common in older people.

5. Psoriatic arthritis can occur in people who have psoriasis (scaly red and white skin patches). It affects the skin, joints, and areas where tissues attach to bone.

6. Reactive arthritis is caused by an infection in your body. Symptoms often clear up on their own within a few weeks or months.

7. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune form of arthritis where the immune system attacks the healthy joint tissues.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

The most common arthritis symptoms and signs include:

- Joint pain.

- Stiffness or reduced range of motion (how far you can move a joint).

- Swelling (inflammation).

- Skin discoloration.

- Tenderness or sensitivity to touch around a joint.

- A feeling of heat or warmth near your joints.

Where you experience symptoms depends on which type of arthritis you have, and which of your joints it affects. Some types of arthritis cause symptoms in waves that come and go called flares or flare-ups. Others make your joints feel painful or stiff all the time, or after being physically active.

What Causes Arthritis?

There is no single cause of all types of arthritis. The cause or causes vary according to the type or form of arthritis. Possible causes may include:

1. an injury, which can lead to degenerative arthritis

2. an abnormal metabolism, which can cause gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease

3. a genetic inheritance, which can lead to developing OA

4. an infection, such as Lyme disease, that can trigger arthritis symptoms

5. an immune system dysfunction

Most types of arthritis are due to a combination of factors. However, some have no obvious cause and appear unpredictably.

Risk Factors for Arthritis

Risk factors for arthritis include:

1. Family history. Some types of arthritis run in families, so you may be more likely to develop arthritis if your parents or siblings have the disorder.

2. Age. The risk of many types of arthritis — including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout — increases with age.

3. Your sex. Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while most of the people who have gout, another type of arthritis, are men.

4. Previous joint injury. People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint.

5. Obesity. Carrying excess pounds puts stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips, and spine. People with obesity have a higher risk of developing arthritis.

5 Worst Foods for Arthritis

Good nutrition can help prevent the onset and progression of the condition. The right diet can also give substantial relief to those suffering from arthritis symptoms. Here are the 5 worst foods for arthritis that you should never put in your grocery list:

1. Refined carbs

Refined grains or carbohydrates are the worst in triggering arthritis symptoms. Products like white pasta and bread often lead to higher levels of blood glucose which then results in inflammation. Carbs mostly contain gluten so people with sensitivities to gluten may develop inflammation and joint pain from eating wheat-based foods. Replace the fettucine in your grocery list with the gluten-free variety.

2. Omega-6 fatty acids

Omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial indeed, but only in controlled amounts. Too much consumption of this leads to inflammation. Cooking oils like soy, safflower, sunflower, corn, and peanut oils contain omega-6 while most meats and fish have them too. While it would be impossible to never include meats and fish in your grocery list, you may want to limit them.

3. Processed food products

Make sure to eat fresh, whole fruits and vegetables. Processed food products, prepackaged meals, pastries, and snacks are loaded with trans fats which help keep these products fresher for a longer period. However, these trans fats are responsible for a spike in systemic inflammation. Food products that contain partially hydrogenated oils should be avoided.

4. High-fat dairy products

Dairy items like butter, cheese, and most of its varieties, mayonnaise, and margarine usually contain AGEs (advanced glycation end products) and saturated fat. These ingredients cause massive spikes in inflammation and thus should be eaten in moderation.

5. Red meats

Beef and pork have high levels of saturated fats which can bring about inflammation and higher cholesterol levels. Red meats also contain GEs which accelerate inflammation.

Best Vitamins and Supplements for Arthritis

Minerals, herbs, and vitamins for arthritis may be able to help people manage arthritis symptoms. In some cases, they can be just as effective as medicines used to treat symptoms, such as inflammation and pain. However, more research is needed. here are some of the best vitamins and supplements for arthritis.

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an antioxidant that is known to support bone growth. It also keeps the digestive tract, respiratory system, and skin healthy.1 Vitamin A also has a role as an anti-inflammatory agent. Vitamin A can help relieve pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that are known to help build the immune system, protect the cells from free radicals, and help to build and maintain collagen and connective tissue in the body. Studies have shown that vitamin C can benefit most people with early osteoarthritis. Vitamin C may be able to prevent gout by lowering uric acid levels.

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. As such, it can help protect against free radicals, compounds that can cause damage and increase the risk of disease. Vitamin E is known to have the potential to prevent or treat osteoarthritis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This vitamin may also slow down the progression of osteoarthritis by improving oxidative stress and inflammation in the joints. More studies need to be conducted to get a clear conclusion as to whether or not vitamin E can truly help osteoarthritis.

4. Vitamin K

Vitamin K has a protein called osteocalcin. This protein aids in the production of healthy bone tissues in the body. Research has shown that sufficient levels of vitamin K in the body are known to help slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

5. Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that helps to maintain strong teeth and bones. It also regulates muscles. Calcium is known to help prevent the loss of bone density and fractures. This can help patients who have osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

6. Collagen

Collagen is a protein that consists of amino acids. It is known to provide support to the connective tissues. Connective tissues are your skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, and the cartilage that protects your joints. Studies have shown mostly positive results for the use of collagen in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis. One study found a potential benefit regarding pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 has fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation and help arthritis patients. EPA and DHA are the two fatty acids that are known to help arthritis patients. Studies have shown that an increase in omega-3 fatty acids can lead to the reduction of inflammation. 

8. Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless and sulfur-containing product. It is a by-product of wood pulp processing. DMSO is believed to improve joint mobility and relieve pain and inflammation in patients who have osteoarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It’s also thought to increase blood flow.

9. Methylsulfonylmethane

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a chemical found in humans, as well as some green plants and animals. MSM can be taken by mouth, alone, or with other ingredients like glucosamine, to reduce pain and swelling in people with osteoarthritis. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, MSM is used in complementary and alternative medicine and in combination with standard treatments for arthritis. It can also reduce oxidative stress and alleviate joint and muscle pain.

10. S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is produced naturally in the body from the essential amino acid methionine and an energy-producing compound called adenosine triphosphate. SAMe has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to promote cartilage repair and help the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

11. Hyaluronic Acid

Studies have shown that taking oral supplements of hyaluronic acid could help osteoarthritis patients with mild knee pain. Another study concluded that hyaluronic acid injections can help control inflammation in the ankle and foot joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

12. Green Tea

Green tea has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This is due to the polyphenols. The other ingredient in green tea that produces strong antioxidant properties is epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG). This is known to help preserve the bones and cartilage.

13. Devil’s Claw

Devil’s claw is a plant native to South Africa that is known to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. A scientific review of devil’s claw found benefits for several diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and others. Devil’s claw has anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to reduce pain.

14. Turmeric

Turmeric may be beneficial to people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. People with knee osteoarthritis may find turmeric improves knee pain and function. With its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is just as effective as NSAIDs. A review of 10 clinical studies found curcumin in turmeric can not only improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms but also slow the course of the disease. Turmeric can even be used to help prevent rheumatoid arthritis in people who are at high risk of early or developing rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Ginger

Ginger is a root that may help symptoms of arthritis. The phytochemicals in ginger have anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in relieving inflammation and pain in the joints. Studies have shown that ginger decreases pro-inflammatory gene expression and also increases the ability to increase anti-inflammatory genes.

How is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will take your medical history and give you a physical exam. Tests may also be done. These include blood tests such as:

1. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. This checks antibody levels in the blood.

2. Complete blood count (CBC). This checks if your white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet levels are normal.

3. Creatinine. This test checks for kidney disease.

4. Sedimentation rate. This test can find inflammation.

5. Hematocrit. This test measures the number of red blood cells.

6. RF (rheumatoid factor) and CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibody tests. These can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. They can also assess how severe the disease is.

7. White blood cell count. This checks the level of white blood cells in your blood.

8. Uric acid. This helps diagnose gout.

Other tests may be done, such as:

1. Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis). A small sample of synovial fluid is taken from a joint. It's tested to see if crystals, bacteria, or viruses are present.

2. X-rays or other imaging tests. These can tell how damaged a joint is.

3. Urine test. This checks for protein and different kinds of blood cells.

4. HLA tissue typing. This looks for genetic markers of ankylosing spondylitis.

5. Skin biopsy. Tiny tissue samples are removed and checked under a microscope. This test helps to diagnose a type of arthritis that involves the skin, such as lupus or psoriatic arthritis.

6. Muscle biopsy. Tiny tissue samples are removed and checked under a microscope. This test helps to diagnose conditions that affect muscles.

How to Treat Arthritis

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, your age, and your general health. It will also depend on how what type of arthritis you have, and how severe the condition is. A treatment plan is tailored to each person with his or her healthcare provider. There is no cure for arthritis. The goal of treatment is often to limit pain and inflammation and help ensure joint function. Treatment plans often use both short-term and long-term methods.

A. Short-term treatments include:

1. Medications. Short-term relief for pain and inflammation may include pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

2. Heat and cold. Pain may be eased by using moist heat (warm bath or shower) or dry heat (heating pad) on the joint. Pain and swelling may be eased with cold (ice pack wrapped in a towel) on the joint.

3. Joint immobilization. The use of a splint or brace can help a joint rest and protect it from further injury.

4. Massage. The light massage of painful muscles may increase blood flow and bring warmth to the muscles.

5. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Pain may be reduced with the use of a TENS device. The device sends mild, electrical pulses to nerve endings in the painful area. This blocks pain signals to the brain and changes pain perception.

6. Acupuncture. This is the use of thin needles that are inserted at specific points in the body. It may stimulate the release of natural, pain-relieving chemicals made by the nervous system. The procedure is done by a licensed healthcare provider.

B. Long-term treatments include:

1. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These prescription medications may slow down the disease and treat any immune system problems linked to the disease. Examples of these medications include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and chlorambucil.

2. Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and swelling. These medications, such as prednisone, can be taken orally or as an injection.

3. Hyaluronic acid therapy. This is a joint fluid that appears to break down in people with osteoarthritis. It can be injected into a joint, such as the knee, to help relieve symptoms.

4. Surgery. There are many types of surgery, depending on which joints are affected. Surgery options may include arthroscopy, fusion, or joint replacement. Full recovery after surgery takes up to 6 months. A rehabilitation program after surgery is an important part of the treatment.

How to Prevent Arthritis

Some causes of arthritis are beyond your control, like growing older, being female, or having a family history of arthritis. But you can take steps to reduce your risk of arthritis or delay its onset. Here’s how to keep your joints healthy as you age:

1. Stay at a healthy weight. Extra pounds put pressure on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees. Each pound you gain adds nearly four pounds of stress on your knees and puts six times the pressure on your hips.

2. Control your blood sugar. High blood sugar can stiffen the tissue that supports your joints and make them more sensitive to stress.

3. Exercise. Just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week helps joints stay limber and strengthens the muscles that support your knees and hips. Focus on low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming.

4. Stretch. Gentle stretching can improve your range of motion and keep your joints limber. Try to work in simple stretches every day.

5. Avoid injury. An injured joint is more likely to develop arthritis than one that was never injured.

6. Wear protective gear when playing sports and always lift with your knees and hips, not your back.

7. Quit smoking. Smoking puts stress on tissues that protect your joints and can lead to arthritis pain. Learn how Blue Cross can help you quit.

8. Eat fish twice a week. Eat fish high in Omega-3s, like salmon, trout, and mackerel. Omega-3s have many health benefits and may reduce inflammation.

9. Get routine preventive care. Your doctor may be able to suggest lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk or slow the progress of arthritis.

How to Find an Arthritis Doctor Near Me

Locating a qualified arthritis doctor nearby is a pivotal step toward alleviating your discomfort.

Here’s what you can try:

1. Seek referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who may have had similar experiences.

2. Search online for “arthritis specialists near me”, “arthritis doctors near me”, or “arthritis dr near me”.

3. Look through online reviews of arthritis doctors in your area to gain insights into their practice.

4. Schedule consultations with several specialists to determine the one with whom you feel most at ease.

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic

NIH

Mayo Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

Hopkins Medicine

Medical News Today

St Albert Physiotherapy

Blue Cross MN

WebMD

Good Rx

Arthritis Jax

Healthline

Very Well Health

The Spine and Rehab Group

Medical News Today

Carespace