Arthritis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Types of Arthritis

In general, there are over 100 identified types of arthritis, ranging from those caused by cartilage wear and tear, like osteoarthritis, to those triggered by immune system dysfunction, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The most prevalent forms of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis – Caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – An autoimmune disease where the immune system accidentally attacks the joints.
• Gout – A type of arthritis resulting from uric acid crystals build-up in the joints.

In addition to these, other less common kinds of arthritis are:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Reactive arthritis
• Infectious arthritis (including septic arthritis and Lyme arthritis)

Signs and Symptoms

Arthritis symptoms vary depending on the type and can fluctuate over time, sometimes improving or worsening at different times of the day. Common symptoms include:

• Crepitus
• Weakness or wasting of the muscle.
• Pain – This may manifest as back pain, foot pain, knee pain, joint pain and stiffness
• Limited movement.
• Swelling and inflammation near the joints.
• Warm, red skin near the joint.

In severe cases, arthritis can make day-to-day tasks like walking or climbing stairs challenging.

Causes

The causes of arthritis tend to vary depending on the type. They may include:

• Injury – Can lead to osteoarthritis.
• Metabolic abnormalities – Conditions like gout (caused by high uric acid levels) and pseudogout (linked to excess calcium).
• Genetic factors.
• Infections – Bacterial or viral infections may directly or indirectly contribute to joint inflammation.
• Autoimmune disorders – The immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues, as seen in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Arthritis falls under the category of rheumatic diseases, a group of conditions that affect the joints, ligaments, muscles, cartilage, and tendons. Many of these diseases can also impact other internal organs and bodily systems.

Risk Factors

The primary risk factors for arthritis include:

• Family history
• Tobacco use
• Activity level
• Other medical conditions

Diagnosis and Tests

To diagnose arthritis, your doctor will discuss your symptoms and conduct a physical examination, checking for:

• Fluid near the joints.
• Limited range of motion in the joints.
• Warm or red joints.

If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, you may be referred to a rheumatologist, a specialist in diagnosing and treating joint diseases.

Blood tests:

Your rheumatologist may order blood tests to look for signs and identify specific types of arthritis. Blood tests measure inflammation markers in the blood along with autoimmune response markers.

These tests include:

• Antinuclear antibodies (ANA).
• Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibodies.
• Rheumatoid factor (RF).
• C-reactive protein

Imaging tests:

To evaluate joint injury, rule out other conditions (including bone spurs), and keep an eye on disease progression, your doctor may recommend:

• X-rays
• MRI scans
• CT scans
• Ultrasound scans

Treatment

While there is no cure for arthritis, available treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. The right approach depends on the type of arthritis, its underlying cause, and the affected joints.

Common arthritis treatment options are:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol.
• Corticosteroids – Prescribed anti-inflammatory medications such as cortisone injections.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) – Used for autoimmune-related arthritis like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
• Physical and occupational therapy – Helps improve strength, flexibility, and confidence in movement.

Surgical options for arthritis:

For severe instances where other treatments are ineffective, surgery may be recommended to restore mobility and reduce pain. The surgical options may include:

• Joint replacement surgery: Commonly used for hips and knees, this procedure replaces the damaged joint with a prosthetic implant.
• Joint fusion (arthrodesis): Often performed on fingers or wrists, this procedure fuses bones.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a widespread medical condition, but that doesn’t mean you have to endure constant pain. Consult our healthcare providers to explore practical ways to manage your symptoms. With the right treatment plan, you can spend more time enjoying the activities you like and less time dealing with stiffness and discomfort.

For more information or to address any concerns, book an appointment with us today.