What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that can affect any of the joints in the body. Joints are the parts where the bones meet and move. There are many types of diseases that may cause arthritis including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Lupus
If your symptoms are mild, medicines may be enough to ease pain and swelling. For more severe arthritis, you may need surgery to improve the condition of the joint or to replace part or the joint completely.
What causes arthritis?
Cartilage is a smooth substance that protects the ends of your bones and provides cushioning. When you have arthritis, this cartilage breaks down and can no longer protect your bones. This can happen from an autoimmune disease (like lupus), or it can happen from wear and tear, infections, or trauma. Without the cartilage protecting it, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and swelling. Over time, small pieces of rough or splintered bone (bone spurs) may develop and the joint's range of motion can become limited.
Symptoms
Some of the more common symptoms of arthritis include:
- Joint pain and stiffness. This pain and stiffness get worse with long periods of rest or when using a joint too long or too hard.
- Joints that have lost normal shape and motion. They may look swollen and be hard to move.
- Tender, inflamed joints. They may look red and feel warm.
- Grinding or popping noise with joint movement.
- Feeling tired all the time.
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Reducing symptoms
Following a healthy lifestyle by losing weight and exercising can help ease symptoms of osteoarthritis. Strengthening muscles around the affected joint may will reduce the strain on the joint. Hot and cold packs may help. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines can be very helpful for arthritis. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best treatments for your condition.
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