Arthritis causes persistent joint pain and inflammation, and you might notice stiffness in your knees after a walk or sudden swelling in your knuckles. The condition includes more than a hundred different types, each with unique symptoms and specific underlying causes. By exploring common forms of this condition, you will better understand its symptoms and how it affects the body. Here is some information about different forms of arthritis:
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones wears down. This leads to pain and limited movement in joints such as the knees, hips, and hands. You might feel a grating sensation when you bend your joints, or hard lumps forming around them. Stiffness usually peaks in the morning, but it typically improves after you start to move.
While age plays a key role in developing this condition, prior injuries and excess body weight also increase your risk. Even repetitive stress from your job or hobbies contributes to cartilage loss over time. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce the stress placed on your weight-bearing joints, especially your hips and knees. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around the joint to provide better stability and support. Doctors often recommend low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling, and these help preserve joint function without causing additional strain.
Identifying Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike wear-and-tear conditions, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body tissues. This autoimmune response targets the synovium, which is the lining of your joints. The resulting inflammation causes painful swelling, and this can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. These symptoms often appear symmetrically on both sides of the body. If your left wrist aches and swells, your right wrist will likely experience the same issue. Morning stiffness lasting longer than an hour is a primary indicator of this systemic disease. Other symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Low-grade fever
The condition’s progression varies widely, with periods of high disease activity alternating with times of relative remission. Doctors rely on a combination of blood tests and imaging scans to track the disease’s progression. Early intervention with medications helps slow joint damage before it becomes irreversible, and managing daily activities gives your body the rest it requires during flare-ups.
Managing Psoriatic Arthritis
Individuals with the skin condition psoriasis may also develop related joint problems. Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that flare up and subside intermittently. You may notice your fingers and toes swelling; changes in your nails, such as deep pitting or separation from the nail bed, also accompany joint pain. Some patients also experience persistent lower back pain. Treatment focuses on controlling the visible skin rash while also reducing hidden joint inflammation. Medical professionals prescribe various therapies ranging from oral medications to advanced biologic injections based on your symptoms.
Visit a Joint Doctor
Living with persistent joint discomfort requires a clear understanding of your condition. A comprehensive medical evaluation identifies the type of arthritis affecting your body. With an accurate diagnosis, a specialist develops a targeted management plan tailored to your physical situation. Delaying a professional assessment often prolongs your discomfort, and it limits your physical activity. Schedule an appointment with a joint doctor today to receive a medical evaluation.
