Arthritis

Arthritis, also known as joint inflammation, is a condition that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility. It can affect one joint (like the knee) or many joints (like hands, wrists, and feet). Arthritis is common and can happen at any age, but it becomes more common as people get older.

Arthritis is not one single disease. It is a group of conditions. Some types occur due to wear and tear, while others result from the immune system attacking the joints. Finding the exact type is important because treatment can be different.

Key Facts

• Usually seen in: Adults (more common after 40–60+)
• Gender affected: Both men and women (some types are more common in women)
• Common joints involved: Knees, hips, hands, spine, shoulders, ankles, feet

Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common type. It happens due to the wear and tear of the joint cartilage over time. It often affects knees, hips, spine, and hands.

Rheumatoid arthritis

This is an autoimmune condition. The immune system attacks the joint lining, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness, often in both sides of the body (like both hands).

Gout

This happens when uric acid crystals collect in joints. It can cause sudden, severe pain, often in the big toe, but it can also affect other joints.

Psoriatic arthritis

Arthritis is linked with psoriasis (a skin condition). It can affect joints, and sometimes fingers/toes can become swollen.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain and tenderness
• Swelling and warmth around the joint
• Stiffness (often worse in the morning or after rest)
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or gripping objects

Warning signs (seek medical help quickly)

• Sudden severe joint pain with swelling (especially if fever is present)
• A hot, red, very painful joint (possible infection or severe gout)
• Joint pain after injury with deformity or inability to move

Causes and Risk Factors

Common causes

• Age-related joint wear (osteoarthritis)
• Autoimmune inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis)
• High uric acid (gout)
• Past joint injury or repeated strain
• Infections (less common but serious)

Risk factors

• Increasing age
• Overweight or obesity
• Family history of arthritis
• Repeated joint stress (heavy work, sports)
• Smoking (raises risk for rheumatoid arthritis)
• Long-term health conditions like diabetes

Diagnosis and Tests

Doctors usually diagnose arthritis based on symptoms, a physical exam, and tests.

Tests that may be advised

• X-ray (joint space narrowing, wear-and-tear changes)
• MRI/Ultrasound (soft tissue, early inflammation, cartilage/ligament issues)
• Blood tests (based on suspected type):
  • CBC, ESR, CRP
  • Rheumatoid factor (RF), Anti-CCP (for rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Uric acid (for gout)
• Joint fluid test (in selected cases to check infection or gout crystals)

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of arthritis and its severity.

Pain and inflammation control

• Pain relief medicines
• Anti-inflammatory medicines (as advised)

Disease-specific treatment

• For autoimmune arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis), doctors may prescribe medicines that control the immune attack (long-term plan)

Physiotherapy and lifestyle

• Strengthening exercises and mobility work
• Weight management (reduces stress on knees and hips)
• Heat/cold therapy for symptom relief
• Joint support and posture correction

Procedures or surgery (in severe cases)

• Joint injections (in selected cases)
• Joint replacement (when joint damage is advanced and daily life is affected)

Possible Complications (if not controlled)

• Long-term joint damage and deformity
• Reduced mobility and daily activity limitations
• Increased risk of falls (due to pain and weakness)
• In inflammatory arthritis, fatigue and effect on other organs in some cases

Specialists to Consult

• Orthopedic doctor (wear-and-tear arthritis, injury, surgical opinion)
• Rheumatologist (autoimmune arthritis, gout, complex cases)
• Physiotherapist (exercise plan and rehabilitation)

Explore Arthritis Care

This category includes medicines and supportive care options used to manage joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and to support long-term arthritis control, based on the type of arthritis and medical advice.