As an umbrella word that covers over 100 distinct conditions affecting the joints, arthritis is more often misinterpreted as a single illness. Inflammation, stiffness, soreness, and a restricted range of motion are all brought on by these ailments. An autoimmune disorder’s inflammation is the cause of some types of arthritis, but joint wear and tear is the source of others. Rheumatoid, psoriatic, osteoarthritis, and gout are a few of the most common types.
A rheumatology clinic helps patients manage chronic disorders such as gout, lupus, and arthritis by specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that primarily affect the joints, muscles, and bones. To make it easier for you to understand each form of arthritis’s distinct traits, causes, symptoms, and therapies, we’ll break them down in this blog.
1. Osteoarthritis (OA) – The “Wear-and-Tear” Arthritis
With millions of cases globally, osteoarthritis is the most typical form of arthritis. Due to the gradual deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, this type of arthritis is commonly referred to as “degenerative joint disease” or “wear-and-tear” arthritis. A painful, swollen, and stiff sensation develops as the cartilage deteriorates and the bones begin to rub against one another. Joints that bear weight, like the hands, hips, knees, and spine, are commonly impacted by osteoarthritis (OA).
Causes:
- Aging: As you get older, your risk of OA goes up.
- Joint injury: Even small prior traumas can have an impact on osteoarthritis (OA) in later life.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts strain on the knees, hips, and spine in particular.
- Genetics: The chance may be raised by a family history of OA.
Symptoms:
- Joint pain, particularly at the end of the day or after exertion
- Stiffness in the joints upon waking up or following periods of inactivity
- Loss of range of motion and flexibility
- Pain or edema surrounding the joint
- Rough bumps called bone spurs that could develop around the joint
Treatment:
The symptoms of OA can be controlled with dietary modifications, physical treatment, and weight loss, but the condition cannot be cured. NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are over-the-counter medications that can help reduce pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen is one such medication. Surgery to replace the affected joint may be advised in severe situations.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – The Autoimmune Disorder
The autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the synovium, which is the lining of the membranes surrounding your joints. This leads to inflammation, which can harm not only the joints but also the skin, heart, lungs, eyes, and other bodily systems. RA is symmetrical, which means that it frequently affects both sides of the body equally, in contrast to OA (e.g., both hands or both knees).
Causes:
- Autoimmune disorder: Although the precise etiology of RA is unknown, it is thought to be brought on by a combination of environmental and genetic factors, including smoking or specific infections.
- Gender: RA is more common in women than in men.
- Age: Although RA can strike at any age, it usually starts in the 40s to 60s.
Symptoms:
- Joint pain, edema, and stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Involvement of symmetric joints (both hands, both knees, etc.)
- Lack of appetite, exhaustion, and fever
- Imperfections that develop with time in the hands and feet
- Hard lumps beneath the skin, usually around the joints, called rheumatoid nodules
Treatment:
Aggressive treatment and early diagnosis may decrease the progression of RA, but there is currently no cure for the condition. Protection against joint injury and inflammation can often be obtained by the prescription of biologic medicines and disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs). For joints to remain functional, physical therapy and consistent exercise are also crucial.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) – A Complication of Psoriasis
Some individuals with psoriasis, a skin disorder marked by red, scaly patches, also suffer from psoriatic arthritis. PsA is an autoimmune disease similar to RA in which healthy cells and tissues are attacked by the immune system, resulting in joint pain, stiffness, and edema. It can impact every joint in the body and, if untreated, can occasionally result in serious joint injury.
Causes:
- Autoimmune disorder: PsA develops when the skin and joints are attacked by the immune system.
- Family history: Having a family member with psoriasis or PsA raises your risk, and genetics also play a part.
- Environmental triggers: For those who are predisposed to PsA, infections or skin traumas might set off the illness.
Symptoms:
- One or both sides of the body may experience joint pain, stiffness, and edema.
- Skin lesions (psoriasis) on the knees, elbows, or scalp that are red and scaly
- Fingers and toes swell, occasionally taking on a “sausage-like” look
- Deviations from the nail bed, including pitting or splitting of the nails
- Pain, redness, and blurred vision can be symptoms of uveitis, an inflammation of the eyes.
Treatment:
Similar to RA, PsA is treated with NSAIDs, DMARDs, or biologic medications to reduce inflammation and avoid joint injury. Injections of corticosteroids may be used to treat flare-ups in certain situations. Other crucial aspects of managing PsA include regular exercise, keeping a healthy weight, and treating psoriasis with topical medications or systemic ones.
4. Gout – The “Rich Man’s Disease”
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by abrupt, intense pain, swelling, and redness in the joints due to urate crystal buildup. The big toe is frequently affected, although it can also happen in the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Gout flare-ups can be very painful and unforeseen, occasionally awakening an affected individual from sleep with a burning feeling in the impacted joint.
Causes:
- Elevated uric acid levels: Purines, which are present in some foods and beverages such red meat, shellfish, and alcohol, are broken down by the body to form uric acid.
- Obesity: Being overweight causes the kidneys to excrete less uric acid and to produce more of it.
- Diet: Eating a lot of meat and fish, which are high in purines, can increase your probability of developing gout.
- Genetics: You may be more at risk if your family has a history of gout.
Symptoms:
- Sharp, sudden joint pain, frequently in the big toe
- Redness, warmth, and swelling in the afflicted joint
- Discomfort that lingers for days or weeks following a gout episode
- Recurring episodes that grow worse over time if neglected
- Formation of tophi, or urate crystal lumps, beneath the skin in persistent cases
Treatment:
In an effort to minimize pain and inflammation, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or colchicine are often prescribed to treat acute gout attacks. Medications like febuxostat or allopurinol may be part of long-term care to lower blood uric acid levels and stop further attacks. Another significant aspect for managing gout is diet, such as cutting back on alcohol and foods high in purines.
Conclusion
Patients and their families can manage treatment options and lifestyle modifications more effectively if they have a better understanding of the different types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are examples of autoimmune reactions that cause arthritis, whereas osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis develop and come on by wear and strain on the joints. On the other hand, gout is associated with problems related to metabolism. Every kind of arthritis has its own set of difficulties, but with the correct medical care, lifestyle modifications, and self-care, people can deal with their illness and have happy, productive lives.
See a rheumatologist if you’re having joint pain, swelling, or stiffness for an accurate diagnosis and a customized treatment plan.
Dr. Annie Law, Senior Consultant Rheumatologist and Medical Director
Asia Arthritis & Rheumatology Centre
Mt. Elizabeth Hospital
3 Mt Elizabeth #05-03
Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
+65 8030 7862