Arthritis is a common, complex and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. An estimated one in four U.S. adults report a diagnosis of arthritis.
The term arthritis encompasses more than 100 types of joint diseases and conditions.
Arthritis literally means joint inflammation in Greek or Latin, and the signs are numerous.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage and other tissues within the joint “break down like the tread on a tire,” says Dr. Carter Mitchell, an orthopedic surgeon and director of sports medicine at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in Olney. “So, it’s a loss of something, not the presence of something.”
Arthritis is a common issue facing an aging population, he says. The challenges are many.
“People with knee arthritis experience pain with walking, going from sitting to standing, walking up stairs. Those with arthritis in the hips experience joint stiffness with difficulty putting on their socks and shoes,” Mitchell says.
Deformity of the joint can also be a sign of arthritis.
The first step to treatment is rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines, Carter says. “If there is continuing pain after three or four days or a swelling of the joint which is limiting your daily activities, then you should see a specialist.”
While heredity is an unavoidable cause, other causes can be prevented or managed in a way that improves quality of life.
“Weight loss is the first thing that can help decrease pain in your hips and knees,” Mitchell says. “If you lose a pound, somewhere between three and seven pounds are taken off of the knee joint.”
Mitchell recommends non-weight-bearing exercises to maintain and restore movement and range of motion to the joint.
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. There is also inflammatory arthritis which comes in the form of rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.
A diagnosis typically follows a patient history, physical exam, X-rays and sometimes more advanced imaging.
A blood test and joint fluid analysis are also helpful in making a diagnosis.
Some treatment options for arthritis include:
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin and Aleve, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
“Some of the more invasive options are cortisone shots which decrease inflammation and take pain away,” Mitchell says. Supplemental injections, which are composed of hyaluronic acid, help to lubricate the joints and get them to work properly.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy and at-home exercises can help improve strength, flexibility and range of motion in the affected joints, Mitchell advises.
Diet: “Many people feel that they can’t lose weight because they can’t exercise. However, weight loss is often based more on your food intake and diet, decreasing complex carbohydrates.”
Emerging research shows that diet, particularly a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and seeds, may be able to reduce inflammation that can lead to arthritis. Turmeric, which contains curcumin, can help alleviate symptoms, as can omega-3 supplements, glucosamine and chondroitin.
Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms can help manage arthritis.
Surgery: In severe cases of arthritis, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints. “Joint replacement is the definitive treatment for arthritis,” Mitchell says.
While there is no cure for arthritis, advancements in medical research and treatment options offer help for those living with a condition that is the leading cause of disability.