Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis describes inflammation in one or more of your joints. It isn’t a single condition but a group of disorders that affect how joints move and feel.

Arthritis can develop in almost any joint in your body, including your knees, hips, hands, wrists, shoulders, spine, ankles, and feet.

Of the many different types of arthritis, the most common forms include:

Osteoarthritis

This type develops slowly as the cartilage that cushions your joints disintegrates, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Rheumatoid arthritis

An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the healthy lining of the joints, causing inflammation, swelling, and joint damage.

Psoriatic arthritis

Often associated with psoriasis, this form of arthritis affects the fingers, toes, and spine and can cause joint pain, as well as skin symptoms.

Gout

Caused by uric acid crystals in the joints, gout typically strikes suddenly and most often affects the big toe, resulting in intense pain and swelling.

Other types of arthritis include ankylosing spondylitis, which primarily affects the spine, and juvenile arthritis, which affects children and adolescents.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms differ depending on the type and the joints involved. You’ll experience ongoing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Joints can feel warm and tender, or appear red, and movement can become limited over time.

You might notice weakness or difficulty with everyday tasks, like gripping objects, walking, or bending. Inflammatory forms of arthritis cause fatigue, and general discomfort is common.

What causes arthritis?

Causes of arthritis vary depending on the type. Osteoarthritis is commonly linked to:

• Aging
• Joint overuse
• Previous injuries
• Excess weight (which increases stress on the joints)

Autoimmune forms develop when your immune system attacks healthy tissue. Genetics increases your risk. Other contributing factors include infections, metabolic conditions, and lifestyle habits, such as repetitive motion or poor joint alignment.

How is arthritis treated?

At Texas Health Care Fort Worth’s Bone & Joint Clinic, treatment focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving joint function. Your care plan can include:

• Activity changes
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Braces or orthotics
• Targeted injections

You might have to consider surgery if conservative treatments are no longer effective.

If arthritis is interfering with your quality of life, call or book an appointment online today.