Discover relief from arthritis pain and stiffness. Explore treatment options, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes.
What Causes Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. It is the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting more than 50 million adults. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down. This can happen due to age, obesity, injury, or genetics. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it is thought to be related to genetics and environmental factors.1
Other types of arthritis include psoriatic arthritis, which is a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis, a skin condition; gout, which is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints; and juvenile arthritis, which is a type of arthritis that affects children.
How Is Arthritis Treated?
There is no cure for arthritis, but there are a variety of treatments that can help to relieve pain and stiffness and improve function.2 Treatment options include:
- Medication: There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat arthritis, including over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription pain relievers, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the joints.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help people with arthritis to learn how to perform everyday activities in a way that minimizes pain and stiffness.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in some cases to repair damaged joints or to relieve pain.
What Are The Different Types Of Arthritis?
There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common are:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis, a skin condition.
- Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints.
- Juvenile arthritis: Juvenile arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects children.
Learn More About Arthritis
Arthritis is a complex condition, and there is still much that researchers do not know about it. However, there are a number of resources available to help people learn more about arthritis and how to manage it. Some of these resources include:
- The Arthritis Foundation
- The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The American College of Rheumatology
People with arthritis can also find support from online forums and social media groups.