Arthritis, a term that literally means “joint inflammation,” is actually a collection of conditions affecting the joints, the tissues that surround the joint, and other connective tissue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the years 2019–2021, 21.2% of U.S. adults (53.2 million) reported being diagnosed with arthritis. This prevalence is significant, as nearly one in five American adults is affected by this condition. The severity of arthritis can vary from mild to severe, and the form of arthritis can dictate not only the symptoms one experiences but also the treatment options available. Below is an in-depth look into the different types of arthritis, their characteristics, and implications.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is often referred to as degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Although OA can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms can be managed with a combination of treatments, but the joint damage caused by OA is irreversible.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints in the hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. The inflammation associated with RA is what can damage other parts of the body as well. Early RA tends to affect smaller joints first, such as those that attach the fingers to the hands and the toes to the feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in some individuals with psoriasis. It features inflammation of the joints and overproduction of skin cells. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are the main signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. They can affect any part of the body, including the fingertips and spine, and range from relatively mild to severe. In both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, disease flares may alternate with periods of remission. No cure for psoriatic arthritis exists, so the focus is on controlling symptoms and preventing damage to the joints. Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis may be disabling.
Gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent attacks of a red, tender, hot, and swollen joint. Pain typically comes on rapidly, reaching maximal intensity in less than 12 hours. The joint at the base of the big toe is affected in about half of cases. Gout is due to persistently elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This occurs from a combination of diet, other health problems, and genetic factors. At high levels, uric acid crystallizes, and the crystals deposit in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues, resulting in an attack of gout. Gout can be treated with medications that reduce the uric acid concentration in the blood and thus prevent painful episodes of gout attacks, as well as potential damage to joints.
Lupus
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. In the most advanced cases, this inflammation can lead to new bone formation on the spine, causing the spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position.
Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis is the term used to describe arthritis when it occurs in children aged 16 or younger. It can cause persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some children may experience symptoms for only a few months, while others have symptoms for the rest of their lives.
Infectious Arthritis
Infectious arthritis, also known as septic arthritis, is joint pain, swelling, and inflammation that results from an infection within the joint. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can spread from another part of the body to a joint, leading to this condition. If not treated promptly, infectious arthritis can lead to rapid cartilage destruction and bone damage.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a joint inflammation that occurs as a “reaction” to an infection in another part of the body. It is often triggered by an infection in the urinary tract or intestines. Characteristic symptoms include inflammation of the joints, eyes, or urethra and can also cause skin lesions and sores on the palms and soles.
Treatment and Management
While there’s no cure for arthritis, treatments have improved greatly in recent years, and, for many types of arthritis, particularly the inflammatory types, there’s a clear benefit in starting treatment at an early stage. Projections indicate that the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis in U.S. adults is expected to rise to 67 million by 2025, and could reach 78 million by 2045, emphasizing the need for treatment. Treatment generally focuses on managing pain and minimizing joint damage. This typically includes a combination of medication, physical therapies, and lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.
Common medications for arthritis include NSAIDS, corticosteroids for managing inflammation, physical therapy, and pain relievers. However, each comes with its own set of potential side effects and efficacy.
An emergent alternative therapy in the treatment of arthritis symptoms actually lies in regenerative therapy, such as tissue allograft procedures. Tissue allograft procedures transplant healthy tissues into sites of arthritis pain. These healthy tissues contain a wealth of natural components meant to lubricate, soothe, and protect the sites of joint inflammation.
Navigating the Complexities of Arthritis Management
Understanding the different types of arthritis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. With many forms of arthritis, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the expected outcome. If you suspect you may have arthritis, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider to determine the type and most effective treatment plan. With proper management, many individuals with arthritis can maintain a high quality of life.
For those navigating the complexities of arthritis treatment, Peak National Wellness offers a new patient-first approach. Specializing in regenerative tissue transplants, we provide these therapies across the United States, focusing on joint restoration. Committed to patient empowerment, we offer free educational seminars to help make informed decisions about your healthcare. Connect with us today to explore how their medical expertise can help you reclaim your health and vitality.