Understanding Arthritis: Five Things to Know

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a time to draw attention to the painful joint condition that affects close to 60 million people in the U.S. 

According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 1 in 4 adults have been diagnosed with arthritis or a related rheumatic disease. 

Arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability, and contrary to a common misconception, it is not a condition solely affecting the elderly. Two thirds of those living with arthritis are 18-65 years old and nearly 300,000 children under the age of 18 have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. 

While osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout are the most common forms of the condition, there are more than 100 kinds of arthritis, making it a complex disease to diagnose and treat.

To learn more, we asked Jesse Reisner, DO, a rheumatologist at South Shore Medical Center, five questions about arthritis causes, symptoms and treatments.

What causes arthritis and how is it diagnosed?

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints causing stiffness, pain and a loss of motion. Arthritis is also a broader term for the many varied rheumatic diseases and conditions affecting joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. 

Inflammation, autoimmune disorders, joint injuries, wear and tear on joints, infection and genetics/family history, are some of the known causes of arthritis. 

Arthritis is diagnosed by reviewing a patient’s personal and family health history, performing a physical exam, taking X-rays and doing other laboratory tests as necessary.

What are the most common symptoms of arthritis?

Symptoms and their severity can vary based on the type of arthritis, but the most common symptoms are joint pain, reduced range of motion, stiffness and swelling.  

Common forms of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) – more prevalent in people over age 50, osteoarthritis was long believed to be a result of years of wear and tear on joints – hands, knees, hips and the spine, in particular. Further research has shown that, as with other forms of arthritis, inflammation is a main cause of OA. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and pain usually in hands, knees or ankles, but can also affect organs including the eyes, heart and lungs. 
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) – is another chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs with the skin condition psoriasis, in which itchy, painful red patches or a buildup of white dead skin cells form on the elbows, knees and scalp. In addition to joint inflammation and pain, PsA can also affect the body’s organs. 
• Gout – also known as, metabolic arthritis, gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain and inflammation, particularly in the big toe. 

If you are experiencing joint pain, it is important to speak to your health care provider about your symptoms. Your provider may refer you to a rheumatologist or an orthopedist, specializing in arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms, preserve joint function and mobility and prevent joint damage. 

What are some risk factors for arthritis? Are there lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk?

Age, gender and genetics can be risk factors for some forms of arthritis. 

• Older adults are more likely to develop arthritis due to inflammation affecting the body and joints, the loss of muscle mass leading to joint instability and a greater risk of falls and joint injuries. 
• More women develop osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia than men. But men are more likely to develop gout than women.
• People with a family history of arthritis are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis in the spine). 

Other arthritis risk factors include:

• Smoking (rheumatoid arthritis).
• Having overweight or obesity (osteoarthritis).
• Joint injuries from sports, falls and accidents (osteoarthritis).
• Work-related activities/repetitive motions that cause joint injuries (osteoarthritis).
• Infections that cause joint inflammation, including Lyme disease, Staphylococcus, and Gonorrhea.

Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking can reduce your risk of developing arthritis.

What treatments are available for people diagnosed with arthritis?

While there is no cure for arthritis, its symptoms can be treated and managed. Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis, and may include:

• Over-the-counter medications
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

What do you recommend for managing arthritis symptoms?

Maintaining a healthy weight helps take stress off the joints, and exercising regularly is important for strengthening the muscles around the joints. 

If over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen do not provide sufficient joint pain relief, or if you have swelling of the joints, I recommend consulting your medical provider to discuss additional treatment options.

Jesse Reisner, DO, is a rheumatologist at South Shore Medical Center and sees patients at our Norwell and Quincy practices. Learn more about specialty care at South Shore Medical Center.