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Different Types of Arthritis: Understanding, Managing, and Living with Arthritis

Blog
06/13/24

Arthritis is a term that covers more than a hundred different types of inflammatory conditions that can affect a person’s joints.1 People of all ages, races, and genders can experience arthritis in one or more joints, experiencing symptoms that range from pain and discomfort to diminished function. These symptoms can come and go, stay the same for years, or worsen over time​​.2

Recognizing the early signs of arthritis can be helpful for effective management of these conditions and maintaining quality of life.3 Symptoms can vary widely, depending on the type of arthritis, but they typically include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.4 This guide will discuss different types of arthritis, arthritis pain management, and the comprehensive treatment approach at Crystal Run Healthcare.

Overview of Arthritis Types

Woman doctor calms patient and holds hand

Understanding the different types of arthritis is essential for diagnosis and management. Common forms of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis (OA), the world’s most common form of arthritis, affects millions of people, mainly older adults. It is characterized by the progressive wearing away of the protective cartilage at the ends of the bones. OA can affect any joint; it most commonly impacts the knees, hands, and hips.5

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, triggering painful inflammation in the affected parts of the body. RA primarily attacks the joints (usually many at the same time), in the knees, hands, and wrists; it can also affect organs such as the heart, lungs, and eyes.6

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune form of arthritis that leads to the inflammation of the joints. It is associated with a medical condition called psoriasis, which is characterized by patches of itchy, raised skin (plaques). About one-third of people with psoriasis eventually develop PsA.7

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden pain affecting one or more joints (often the big toe). Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream, which can form crystals in the joints. Symptoms (“flares”) tend to come and go and can be triggered by eating certain foods.8

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. AS can cause inflammation of the vertebrae, resulting in chronic pain. In some cases, it results in uveitis (an eye disease), psoriasis (a skin disease), or inflammatory bowel disease. Common symptoms include pain in the lower back and hip.9

Juvenile arthritis (JA) is a term for arthritis conditions that develop in minors under the age 16. The most common form of JA is juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a term that covers multiple disorders, mainly affecting girls, characterized by joint pain, swelling, warmth, and stiffness lasting at least six weeks. It is triggered by an overactive immune system that causes inflammation in the joints. Almost 300,000 minors in the U.S. have some form of juvenile arthritis.10,11

Infectious arthritis (or septic arthritis) is caused by an infection in the joint. It is usually caused by bacteria—less commonly a virus or fungus—that spreads from another part of the body to the joint or directly infects the joint itself. This condition can result in quick and permanent damage to the affected joints.12

Each of these conditions has its unique causes, affecting individuals in different ways and requiring specific management strategies. Understanding these differences is critical in devising effective treatment and management plans for those affected by these conditions.

Treatment Options

Treatment of arthritis varies widely depending on the type of arthritis, its severity, and the specific joints involved. Below are the main treatment strategies employed to manage different types of arthritis.

Medications

There are a variety of medications available for the treatment of arthritis, including:

  • Pain Relievers - Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, have been traditionally used for pain management in osteoarthritis, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce both pain and inflammation.13
  • Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) - Primarily used for inflammatory arthritis, DMARDs suppress the immune system and help slow inflammation attacking the joints.14
  • Biologic DMARDs - These are a newer generation of DMARDs that target specific steps in the inflammatory process, rather than the overall immune system.15
  • Corticosteroids - Medications that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, useful in controlling severe symptoms in the short term.16

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Engaging in specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the joints, increase flexibility, and reduce pain.2

Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking, can significantly impact the management of arthritis symptoms and overall joint health.2

Surgical Options

In cases where conservative treatments have failed to prevent or slow joint damage, surgery might be recommended. Surgical options can include joint replacement surgery, where damaged parts of the joint are replaced with artificial ones.2

It’s important to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to individual needs, considering the type of arthritis, its severity, and the patient's overall health and lifestyle.

Arthritis Care at Crystal Run Healthcare

Happy man running in park with music

At Crystal Run Healthcare, we understand that living with arthritis requires a comprehensive and personalized approach to care. Our dedicated team of specialists is committed to providing each patient with a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs, ensuring the highest quality of life possible. Here’s how we support our patients in managing their arthritis:

  • Multidisciplinary Team Approach - Our arthritis care team includes rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists who work together to design and implement a comprehensive care plan.
  • Advanced Diagnostic Tools - Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, Crystal Run Healthcare offers precise assessments to determine the type and severity of arthritis.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans - Recognizing that every arthritis patient has unique challenges, we create personalized treatment plans focused on reducing arthritis symptoms, improving joint function, and enhancing overall well-being.
  • Patient Education and Support - Our specialists provide patients with the knowledge and resources they need to understand their condition and actively participate in their treatment plan.
  • Innovative Care Options - Crystal Run Healthcare is committed to offering the latest in arthritis care, including advanced therapies and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
  • Arthritis Pain Management - We offer a variety of pain management strategies tailored to each patient's specific needs. These strategies are designed to minimize discomfort and enable patients to lead active, fulfilling lives.

At Crystal Run Healthcare, we are dedicated to helping our patients manage theirarthritis-related conditions through comprehensive, cutting-edge care. If you are living with arthritis, contact us to learn more about how we can support your journey to wellness.

SOURCES:

  1. CDC. Arthritis Types, Updated 7/14/2023.Arthritis Types | CDC, Accessed 4/2/2024
  2. CDC. FAQ about Arthritis, Updated 10/4/2023.FAQ about Arthritis | CDC, Accessed 4/2/2024
  3. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP). Promoting Health for Older Adults, Updated 9/8/2022.Promoting Health for Older Adults | NCCDPHP, Accessed 4/2/2024
  4. Arthritis Foundation. Recognizing the Symptoms of Arthritis.Recognizing the Symptoms of Arthritis | Arthritis Foundation, Accessed 4/2/2024
  5. CDC. Osteoarthritis, Updated 6/12/2023.Osteoarthritis | CDC, Accessed 4/2/2024
  6. CDC. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Updated 4/7/2022.Rheumatoid Arthritis | CDC, Accessed 4/2/2024
  7. Arthritis Foundation. Psoriatic Arthritis.Psoriatic Arthritis | Arthritis Foundation, Accessed 4/2/2024
  8. CDC. Gout, Updated 6/12/2023.Gout | CDC, Accessed 4/2/2024
  9. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Ankylosing Spondylitis, Updated 5/2023.Ankylosing Spondylitis | NIAMS, Accessed 4/2/2024
  10. Arthritis Foundation. Juvenile Arthritis (JA).Juvenile Arthritis (JA) | Arthritis Foundation, Accessed 4/2/2024
  11. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Updated 5/2021.Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) | NIAMS, Accessed 4/25/2024
  12. Arthritis Foundation. Infectious Arthritis.Infectious Arthritis | Arthritis Foundation, Accessed 4/2/2024
  13. Arthritis Foundation. Topical NSAIDs Offer Joint Pain Relief.Topical NSAIDs Offer Joint Pain Relief | Arthritis Foundation, Accessed 4/2/2024
  14. Arthritis Foundation. DMARDS.DMARDS | Arthritis Foundation, Accessed 4/2/2024
  15. Arthritis Foundation. Biologics.Biologics | Arthritis Foundation, Accessed 4/2/2024
  16. Arthritis Foundation. Corticosteroids.Corticosteroids | Arthritis Foundation, Accessed 4/2/2024

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