What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty moving. It can affect the knees, hips, hands, wrists and other joints. Common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and maintain mobility.
Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity. Common signs include:
Joint Pain: Discomfort in one or more joints.
Stiffness: Difficulty moving joints, especially in the morning or after resting.
Swelling: Swollen joints that may feel warm.
Tenderness: Pain or discomfort when touching the affected joint.
Reduced Movement: Difficulty bending or moving joints normally.
Flare-Ups: Periods when pain, stiffness or swelling become worse.
Symptoms that persist or interfere with daily activities should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
What Are the Main Types of Arthritis?
Arthritis includes several conditions that affect the joints. They can differ in their causes, symptoms, age of onset and treatment. Recognizing the type helps healthcare professionals plan appropriate care.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
The most common form of arthritis, involving changes in the tissues that make up a joint.
Common features
- Joint pain that may worsen with activity
- Stiffness after rest
- Reduced flexibility or movement
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of joints, causing inflammation.
Common features
- Swollen, tender or painful joints
- Morning stiffness that may last a long time
- Often affects joints on both sides of the body
Gout
A form of inflammatory arthritis caused by urate crystals building up in and around a joint.
Common features
- Sudden, intense joint pain
- Redness, warmth and swelling
- Often begins in the big toe, but other joints can be affected
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
An inflammatory form of arthritis associated with psoriasis, a condition that affects the skin and sometimes the nails.
Common features
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- Swelling of an entire finger or toe
- Nail pitting or separation from the nail bed in some people
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
A type of axial spondyloarthritis that mainly affects the spine and joints connecting the spine to the pelvis.
Common features
- Persistent lower back or buttock pain
- Stiffness that is often worse after rest
- Symptoms that may improve with movement
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
A group of persistent inflammatory arthritis conditions that begin before a child turns 16, with no single known cause.
Common features
- Joint swelling, pain or stiffness
- Limping or difficulty with usual activities
- Some types can also cause eye inflammation
Important: These symptoms can overlap with other conditions. A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether examination, blood tests or imaging are needed. A suddenly hot, red and swollen joint—especially with fever—needs urgent medical assessment to rule out a joint infection.
Causes and Risk Factors of Arthritis
The causes of arthritis depend on the type. Common examples include:
Osteoarthritis: Develops as joint tissues change over time. Age, previous joint injuries, excess body weight and repetitive joint stress can increase the risk.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. Genetic and environmental factors may contribute.
Gout: Occurs when uric acid crystals build up in a joint. High uric acid levels, kidney problems, certain medicines and alcohol consumption can increase the risk.
Psoriatic Arthritis: An inflammatory condition associated with psoriasis. Genetics and immune system activity may play a role.
Infectious Arthritis: Develops when germs enter a joint, causing inflammation and sometimes serious infection.
Important: Risk factors differ between arthritis types. Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean you will develop arthritis.
How Is Arthritis Diagnosed
Arthritis and X-Rays
X-rays help diagnose arthritis by revealing joint damage, inflammation, cartilage loss, bone changes, and disease progression over time.
What Is an Arthrogram?
An arthrogram is a medical imaging test using contrast dye to examine joint problems, injuries, and soft tissue damage.
What Is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems using a tiny camera.
Using MRI to Diagnose Arthritis
MRI helps detect joint inflammation, cartilage damage, and early arthritis symptoms for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Arthritis Treatment
Arthritis Drug Overview
Learn about arthritis medications, treatment options, pain relief methods, side effects, and therapies for improving joint health and mobility.
Arthritis Creams, Salves, Gels, and Patches
Explore arthritis pain relief creams, gels, salves, and patches designed to reduce inflammation, stiffness, and joint discomfort effectively.
What’s In Your Joint Pain Medicine?
Learn about ingredients, pain relief benefits, side effects, and safety information commonly found in joint pain medications.
NSAIDs: How Safe Are They?
Understand NSAID benefits, possible side effects, dosage precautions, and safe long-term use for effective pain and inflammation relief.
Complementary & Alternative Therapy
Remedies for Arthritis
Explore effective arthritis remedies including exercise, healthy diet, pain relief methods, lifestyle changes, and joint care support.
Acupuncture for Arthritis
Acupuncture may help reduce arthritis pain, improve mobility, decrease inflammation, and support overall joint wellness naturally.
Heat and Cold Therapy for Arthritis Pain
Heat and cold therapy can reduce arthritis pain, ease stiffness, improve circulation, and relax sore muscles naturally.
Physical and Occupational Therapy for Arthritis
Physical and occupational therapy help arthritis patients improve mobility, reduce pain, strengthen joints, and maintain daily independence.
Suggested Reads about Arthritis
Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Raynaud’s Disease
Gout Pictures -- Learn About the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Signs of Chronic Inflammation You May Not Expect
16 Ways You May Be Hurting Your Joints
Top Topics in Arthritis
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis
Find answers to common questions about arthritis symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, treatment and everyday joint care.
1. What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that affect the joints, causing symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement. Different types have different causes and may require different treatments.
2. What are the common symptoms of arthritis?
Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness and difficulty moving the affected joint. Some people experience warmth around a joint or reduced flexibility. Symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on the cause.
3. What causes arthritis?
The causes depend on the type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis involves changes in the joint tissues over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. Other forms may be associated with crystal deposits, infections, genetics or other inflammatory conditions.
4. What are the main types of arthritis?
Common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout and ankylosing spondylitis. These conditions differ in their causes, symptoms and effects on joints and other parts of the body.
5. What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) involves changes and damage to joint tissues and is often associated with ageing, previous joint injury and other risk factors. Pain may worsen with activity. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation. It often affects joints on both sides of the body and may cause prolonged morning stiffness.
6. Can arthritis affect young adults?
Yes. Arthritis can affect people of different ages, including children and young adults. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and other inflammatory forms can begin early in life. Persistent joint pain or swelling should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
7. How is arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves reviewing symptoms and medical history and examining the affected joints. Depending on the suspected type, a clinician may recommend blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or joint fluid analysis. No single test diagnoses every type of arthritis.
8. What treatments are available for arthritis?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of arthritis. Options may include suitable pain-relief medicines, anti-inflammatory treatment, disease-modifying medicines for certain inflammatory conditions, physiotherapy, exercise and lifestyle adjustments. Some people may need joint injections or surgery. A clinician can recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
9. Can exercise help people with arthritis?
Yes. Suitable activities such as walking, swimming, gentle strengthening and range-of-motion exercises may help improve mobility, muscle strength and overall function. The type and intensity of exercise should match individual abilities. Seek professional advice if exercise causes significant pain or a joint becomes acutely swollen.
10. Which doctor should I consult for arthritis?
A rheumatologist specialises in arthritis and other inflammatory or autoimmune joint conditions. A general physician can assess initial symptoms and guide referrals. An orthopaedic specialist may be appropriate for certain structural joint problems or when surgery is being considered.
