Arthritis is a type of health condition that refers to inflammation of the joints. While most commonly associated with aging, you might be surprised to learn that arthritis does not just affect the elderly. There are many different types of arthritis that can cause pain and discomfort in people of all ages, from children to older adults. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including your fingers, wrists, hips, and even the spine. The vertebrae in the spine are a series of joints stacked one on top of the other. If you find yourself going to the doctor for treatment for back pain, then arthritis could be the cause. While there are over 1oo different types of arthritis, there are some common symptoms that lead to an arthritis diagnosis.
Symptoms of Arthritis
You might be wondering, “What does arthritis feel like?” The most common symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints. These symptoms are typically common across the different types of arthritis. You may notice that your joint pain, stiffness, or swelling is worse in the mornings or after you have been seated or lying down for a long period of time. Inflammation in the joints can cause soft tissues to swell and impact the healthy functioning of the joint. You may develop a reduced range of motion due to arthritis in your joints. In addition to these common symptoms, there are some symptoms that are more commonly associated with a specific type of arthritis.
Types of Arthritis
The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Here are some unique symptoms for each of these types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and typically occurs due to general wear and tear on the joints over time. As you age, the cartilage in the joints starts to break down. Joint cartilage plays a significant role in healthy joint functioning. Your joints depend on cartilage to provide shock absorption as you move and stretch. Osteoarthritis can occur when this important cartilage starts to break down. This type of arthritis can cause muscle weakness in the area, and you may notice instability or buckling of the joint. Osteoarthritis can also cause a clicking or popping sound when you move your joints a certain way. This occurs when the cartilage breaks down, and the bones in your joints rub against one another.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that is also an autoimmune disorder. With rheumatoid arthritis, your body’s immune system causes an inflammatory response that actually attacks the tissues of the body. When this occurs, inflammation can affect the soft tissues in your joints that support cartilage and provide lubrication to the joint. As the body’s immune system continues to attack the tissues in your body with rheumatoid arthritis, the cartilage in the joints may eventually be destroyed. Symptoms unique to rheumatoid arthritis include fatigue, low-grade fever, low red blood cell count, and inflammation in organs as well. Rheumatoid arthritis may start out in smaller joints like your fingers and feet before extending into other, larger joints in the body.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can occur in people who have a skin condition known as psoriasis. People with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis, which can cause inflammation in the joints. Psoriatic arthritis commonly causes flare-ups, which means you may feel arthritis pain and other symptoms with brief periods of relief. Pain with psoriatic arthritis is typically worse in the morning or after periods of rest. It most commonly occurs in the knees and ankles, though it can also occur in other joints in the body.
How to Treat Arthritis Pain
If you start experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, then see your doctor for a possible arthritis diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to determine what type of arthritis you may have by performing a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will look for any redness, tenderness, or swelling around joints where you have noticed pain and other symptoms. They will also want to see how your range of motion may be affected by your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about what symptoms you have been experiencing, when they first started, and what may help you get better or worse. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan for your arthritis pain depending on the specific type of arthritis you and symptoms you have.
Managing Arthritis Pain
A key aspect of treating arthritis is managing and relieving your joint pain. Learning about the root cause of your arthritis pain can help you better understand how to manage your pain. Keeping your joints moving throughout the day with gentle stretches will help reduce pain and stiffness. Practicing good posture will also help avoid putting too much pressure on certain joints. In addition to over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, you can try natural ways to reduce inflammation with chiropractic care and physical therapy.
Improving Joint Function
Maintaining healthy joint functioning will also help reduce feelings of pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. Your doctor may recommend certain stretches and exercises to help. Stretching can help reduce stiffness in your joints and supporting muscles. Exercises can also help strengthen the muscles that support your joints, so they are better supported. Specific stretches and exercises can also help you maintain and improve your range of motion. You may need to avoid certain activities that put too much strain or stress on the joints. Activities like running and repetitive joint movements may aggravate arthritis in the joints and make your pain worse.
If you were recently diagnosed with arthritis, then visit our team of doctors at AICA Orthopedics. We provide personalized care for each person who visits our Lithia Springs office. We focus on minimally invasive ways to help reduce your pain and discomfort of arthritis and support your overall mobility. Visit AICA Orthopedics in Lithia Springs and find out how our team of orthopedic doctors, neurologists, chiropractors, and physical therapists can help you!