Arthritis is a widespread condition causing joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness, leading to significant burdens on individuals, families, and healthcare systems globally. As a leading cause of disability, it impairs daily activities, work productivity, and quality of life. This article will look into the types of arthritis, causes and symptoms.

Overview of Arthritis

Arthritis is a prevalent medical condition characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common.

Arthritis is a widespread health concern, affecting a significant portion of the global population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 24% of the population, or 1 in 4 individuals, will develop arthritis at some point in their lives. Furthermore, the prevalence of arthritis increases with age, particularly among women, with nearly 60% of women over the age of 65 experiencing arthritis-related symptoms.

In the United States alone, arthritis is a prevalent condition, with 21.2% of all adults, totaling 53.2 million people, affected by the disease, according to the CDC. This high prevalence makes arthritis one of the leading causes of work disability, resulting in significant economic burdens and healthcare costs.

Osteoarthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis, has seen a substantial increase in prevalence over the years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, approximately 528 million people worldwide were living with osteoarthritis. This represents a significant rise of 113% since 1990, highlighting the growing burden of this degenerative joint disease on global health systems and individuals’ well-being.

While arthritis primarily affects the joints, it can also impact other parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, and internal organs. Treatment for arthritis aims to alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve overall quality of life. This may involve a combination of medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. Despite its chronic nature, early diagnosis and comprehensive management can help individuals with arthritis manage their symptoms and maintain functional independence.

Types of arthritis

Arthritis encompasses a diverse range of conditions that affect the joints, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. Some of the most common types of arthritis include:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most prevalent form of arthritis and typically develops with age. OA occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the affected joints.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This causes inflammation, swelling, and joint damage, often affecting multiple joints symmetrically.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. Psoriatic arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as skin and nail changes.
4. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation in the vertebrae and sacroiliac joints. Over time, this inflammation can lead to fusion of the spine, resulting in stiffness and reduced mobility.
5. Gout: Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, often affecting the big toe. Gout attacks can be triggered by certain foods, alcohol, medications, or underlying health conditions.
6. Juvenile Arthritis: Juvenile arthritis refers to a group of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect children under the age of 16. These conditions can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and other symptoms similar to those seen in adults with arthritis.
7. Lupus Arthritis: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the joints. Lupus arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, along with other systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and skin rashes.
8. Septic Arthritis: Septic arthritis is a type of arthritis caused by an infection in the joint, typically resulting from bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can cause severe pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint, and requires prompt medical treatment to prevent further complications.

Symptoms of arthritis

Symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type of arthritis and the joints affected, but common symptoms may include:

1. Joint pain: Persistent pain in one or more joints, often worsened by movement or weight-bearing activities.
2. Joint stiffness: Difficulty moving the affected joint(s), especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
3. Joint swelling: Swelling, warmth, and tenderness around the affected joint(s), indicating inflammation.
4. Reduced range of motion: Difficulty bending, flexing, or fully extending the affected joint(s).
5. Joint deformities: Changes in joint shape or alignment, such as knobby finger joints or a stooped posture in the spine.
6. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or exhaustion, often associated with chronic pain and inflammation.
7. Muscle weakness: Weakness or loss of muscle mass around affected joints due to decreased activity or inflammation.
8. Redness and warmth: Increased blood flow to inflamed joints may cause redness and warmth to the touch.
9. Fever: Inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), may be accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms.
10. Skin changes: Some forms of arthritis, like psoriatic arthritis, can cause skin rashes or patches of red, scaly skin.

Causes of arthritis

The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis, but some common factors include:

1. Genetics: Certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, have a genetic component. Individuals with a family history of arthritis may be at a higher risk of developing the condition.
2. Autoimmune Disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune forms of arthritis occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, including the joints, leading to inflammation and joint damage.
3. Age: Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is often associated with aging. As people get older, the cartilage that cushions the joints may gradually wear down, leading to osteoarthritis.
4. Joint Injury or Trauma: Previous joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the risk of developing arthritis in the affected joint(s). Repetitive stress or overuse injuries can also contribute to arthritis, particularly in athletes or individuals with physically demanding jobs.
5. Infection: Septic arthritis can occur when a joint becomes infected with bacteria, viruses, or fungi, usually as a result of an injury, surgery, or underlying health condition. The infection can cause inflammation and joint damage if left untreated.
6. Metabolic Factors: Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often due to metabolic factors such as diet, obesity, or certain medical conditions that affect uric acid levels in the body.
7. Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, such as exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, or certain occupational hazards, may contribute to the development or exacerbation of arthritis in susceptible individuals.
8. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can influence the risk of developing certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus arthritis.
9. Obesity: Excess body weight can place added stress on the joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis.
10. Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, can impact the risk and severity of arthritis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction techniques, may help reduce the risk of developing arthritis and manage symptoms in individuals already affected by the condition.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Senthelal S, Li J, Ardeshirzadeh S, et al. Arthritis. [Updated 2023 Jun 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518992/

Bullock, J., Rizvi, A. A., Saleh, A. M., Ahmed, S. S., Do, D. P., Ansari, R. A., & Ahmed, J. (2019). Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Brief Overview of the Treatment. Medical Principles and Practice, 27(6), 501-507. https://doi.org/10.1159/000493390

Lorig, K., Konkol, L., & Gonzalez, V. (1987). Arthritis patient education: A review of the literature. Patient Education and Counseling, 10(3), 207-252. https://doi.org/10.1016/0738-3991(87)90126-1