Embracing the healing power of heat proves to be an effective strategy for combating aching joints during winter. Electric heating pads or hot water bags can provide targeted relief
Winter can be a challenging time for individuals living with arthritis, as the cold weather tends to exacerbate joint pain and stiffness. Recent reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that osteoarthritis predominantly affects individuals aged 55 and above, with 73 per cent falling into this age group, and 60 per cent of those affected being female. The data further indicates that the knee is the most commonly impacted joint, followed by the hip and hand, leading to a prevalence of 365 million arthritis patients. Given the ageing populations, rising obesity rates, and increased instances of injury, the global prevalence of osteoarthritis is anticipated to persistently rise.
Osteoarthritis can arise from various factors, including a history of joint injury or overuse, older age, and excess weight, with a higher prevalence observed among women compared to men.
Prioritise regular exercise to sustain joint health
Engaging in indoor workouts, such as yoga or gentle stretching exercises, maintains flexibility and supports heart health. Regular physical activity can contribute to a substantial 40 per cent reduction in pain and notable improvement in function for adults dealing with arthritis.
Weight management matters: A key to pain reduction
The holiday season often brings indulgence, and the colder weather may discourage outdoor activities, potentially leading to unwanted weight gain. Managing a healthy weight is paramount, as even a slight increase can intensify joint pressure, worsening pain. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight enables adults to ease arthritis pain and enhance overall function. As per the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention report, weight loss emerges as an effective, non-drug method to manage arthritis and joint pain.
Heat therapy for aching joint
Embracing the healing power of heat proves to be an effective strategy for combating aching joints during winter. Electric heating pads or hot water bags can provide targeted relief, while warm water soaks or hot baths effectively alleviate joint aches and induce muscle relaxation. Studies by the Arthritis Foundation indicate that heat treatments can effectively alleviate muscle discomfort and promote increased flexibility in stiff joints.
Ensure adequate vitamin D intake for joint health
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in joint health, and during winter, when sunlight exposure is limited, it becomes even more essential. Lack of this fat-soluble nutrient can contribute to muscle and joint pain, as well as increase the risk of osteoporosis. Boosting Vitamin D levels by spending time outdoors when possible and incorporating Vitamin D-rich foods like oily fish, egg yolks, orange juice, cereals, and oatmeal into the diet becomes crucial during the winter months.
Homoeopathy for arthritis
As a complementary medical system, homoeopathy offers holistic treatments that are safe and without any side effects. Homoeopathy works by modulating the body's immunity, which helps to reduce joint inflammation. Furthermore, it helps to slow the progression of the condition. These therapies work well to relieve pain, edema, and joint stiffness. Prioritise your safety and well-being by seeking appropriate medical assistance and following the advice of a certified homoeopath.
(The author is a Padmashree recipient, and the founder and chairman of Dr Batra’s Healthcare).
[Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP News Network Pvt Ltd].
In the United States, arthritis is a leading cause of work disability, affecting over 53.2 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can happen for a number of reasons to adults at any age ― and the pain can be debilitating.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, but there are also other forms like gout, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus that can cause widespread symptoms. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that can damage cartilage and cause inflammation, according to Dr. Pamela Mehta, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon at Resilience Orthopaedics and member of the FIGS advisory board.
We spoke to Mehta and other experts about early signs of the condition you should never ignore:
Your joint hurts.
Joint pain is one of the most obvious and common signs of arthritis, said Dr. Mengnai Li, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and associate professor at Yale School of Medicine.
“Typically people will experience greater pain while walking on slopes, uneven surfaces and climbing stairs,” he said. Even clothing items like socks and shoes may be painful, he added.
You experience joint pain first thing in the morning.
If you experience pain in your joints first thing in the morning after you wake up, there’s a strong likelihood it can be from osteoarthritis.
“An early sign of arthritis is if you experience pain after waking up and getting out of bed in the morning after sleeping for hours,” Mehta explained.
Your joint appears swollen.
If your joint appears swollen, it could be as a result of excess synovial fluid ― a thick liquid that provides lubrication and cushioning.
“When osteoarthritis happens, there will be increased volume of synovial fluid production with associated inflammation, causing pain and swelling,” Li said.
Your joint feels stiff after you get up from lying down.
According to both Mehta and Li, an early sign of arthritis is joint stiffness after getting up from lying down.
“A lot of my patients with knee osteoarthritis will experience stiffness after they wake up from resting or have been sitting in a chair for a while,” Mehta said.
You feel cracking or grating sounds.
Sometimes, you may hear cracking, popping or grating sounds in your joints — even if it doesn’t cause any pain.
These sounds may signal how the cartilage in your joint is breaking down as a result of arthritis, Li noted.
Your pain may improve after taking an anti-inflammatory.
“Arthritis is an inflammatory cascade. Taking an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) will almost always relieve arthritic pain,” Mehta said.
If you think you may have joint pain, taking an NSAID to temporarily relieve the pain can be a first step.
Your joint pain is accompanied by other symptoms.
If your arthritis is a result of another condition like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, you may also notice other signs of the problem. For rheumatoid arthritis, that could be tenderness in multiple joints in your body, weight loss and fatigue. For gout, you may notice redness and swelling near your ankle or foot, in particular. For lupus, you might also experience muscle pain, light sensitivity, hair loss or fever.
While there’s no cure for arthritis, there are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms. Visit your primary care provider right away to discuss treatment options so the pain doesn’t persist.
Curcumin, the key component found in turmeric, is increasingly being lauded for its powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, particularly in managing arthritis. Globally recognized as a leading cause of pain and disability, arthritis is characterized by swelling and tenderness in one or more joints. Its most common forms are osteoarthritis, caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition affecting the joint lining. Other factors include gout, lupus, and psoriasis. Treatment approaches vary depending on the underlying cause, but over-the-counter remedies can often help reduce inflammation and soothe pain.
Curcumin: A Bright Hope Against Arthritis
Studies have consistently highlighted the benefits of curcumin in reducing inflammation and redness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients consuming 1000 mg of curcumin daily, often through supplements, have reported significant improvements. A 2015 study drew attention to curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, suggesting its potential to reduce arthritis inflammation. A subsequent 2017 study found patients who took turmeric supplements experienced significant improvements compared to those who received a placebo. A 2018 study involving rats with rheumatoid arthritis further demonstrated how curcumin could reduce inflammation.
Incorporating Curcumin into Daily Diet
Curcumin can be incorporated into meals through turmeric, a common ingredient in stews, curries, soups, and rice dishes. It can also be consumed as an infusion. The recommended daily dose of 1000 mg of curcumin is typically obtained through supplements, although even a lower dose, such as that found in a cup of turmeric tea, could prove beneficial. However, it’s crucial to consult a doctor before adding curcumin to one’s diet, especially for individuals on anticoagulants or those with underlying health conditions.
Curcumin: A Supplement, Not a Replacement
Despite the promising results, curcumin should not replace medical treatment. It can, however, serve as a beneficial addition to existing treatment plans under proper medical guidance. In the realm of natural remedies,PureXtracts Turmeric Massage Oil with English Lavenderhas also been reported to provide relief from arthritic pain. This 100% natural product, made from turmeric oil, cold-pressed sesame seed oil, and lavender oil, has shown positive effects on joint pain and other conditions among many users.
The article addresses arthritis, an inflammation of the body’s joints that causes pain, deformity, and difficulty moving. While it typically affects people over the age of 40 and those who are overweight, it can occur at any age. There are various types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, fibromyalgia, and septic arthritis. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging and affects fingers, knees, and hips, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting hands and feet.
Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammation of the body’s joints, causing pain, deformity, and difficulty in movement. Symptoms may appear in anyone, with a higher incidence in people over 40 and those who are overweight. There are different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, each with different causes. Treatment generally consists of joint rest, alternating application of ice and heat, weight loss, physical exercise, and the use of analgesics. In more severe cases, surgery may be required.
Arthritis Treatment
The treatment for arthritis varies, including rest, application of ice and heat, weight loss, physical exercise, pain relievers, and in some cases, arthroplasty or surgery. It is essential that the treatment is guided by an orthopaedist or rheumatologist and that self-medication is not practiced.
Emerging Therapeutic Approaches
The Institute of Drug Technology (Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz) signed a technology transfer agreement with Pfizer Brasil to produce tofacitinib citrate, a generic clone of Xeljanz®, aiming to expand the population’s access to treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The technology transfer of tofacitinib citrate from Pfizer by Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz will take place in stages, with the registration of the drug’s molecule clone already submitted to Anvisa. The approved drug in Brazil is incorporated into SUS and presents a mechanism that acts within cells, inhibiting janus kinase (JAK), a protein important in the inflammatory processes characteristic of some immune-mediated diseases, inaugurating a class of drugs for rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis is an umbrella term describing over 100 conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. An estimated 91 million adults in the United States live with arthritis, with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis among the most common types.
This article discusses the differences between arthritis types, the most and least common types, and what to do if you suspect you may have arthritis.
AzmanJaka / Getty Images
How Are the Types of Arthritis Different?
Each type of arthritis has unique symptoms, causes, and characteristics, but they all share one thing in common—joint inflammation and pain. The word "arthritis" literally means "joint inflammation."
While all forms of arthritis affect the joints, they all have distinct differences in how they develop, which joints are affected, and their impact on a person's overall health.
Affected Body Parts
Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, and some forms of the condition can affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, eyes, and internal organs. Joints most commonly affected by arthritis include:
Knees
Hands
Hips
Lower back
Neck
Each type of arthritis targets specific joints and tissues differently, influenced by factors like wear and tear due to aging or injury, inflammation, genetics, or the body's immune response. The most common types of arthritis affect different body parts, such as:
Osteoarthritis:Also known asdegenerative arthritis, this type primarily affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine but also commonly affects the fingers.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA tends to target smaller joints in the hands, wrists, and feet and can also affect the eyes, skin, blood, nerves, and internal organs, such as the heart and lungs.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): PsA primarily affects joints in the spine and hips, but also the fingers, toes, and heels. PsA can also affect the skin, eyes, nails, and digestive system.
Gout:Primarily affects the big toe but can also attack other joints.
Autoimmune Characteristics
Some types of arthritis are autoimmune diseases, meaning the body's immune system mistakes the body's cells for a foreign invader (e.g., bacteria, virus) and releases inflammatory chemicals to attack those cells.
With rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common form of autoimmune arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovial membrane (the lining of the joints), leading to inflammation. Inflammation causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness and damages the affected joints over time.
Autoimmune arthritis can also cause systemic (body-wide) inflammation that affects other body parts and systems, such as the eyes, internal organs, skin, digestive system, and blood vessels. Common types of autoimmune arthritis include:
Other types of arthritis do not involve the immune system but develop due to other causes, such as genetics or environmental and lifestyle factors. Osteoarthritis, for example, develops due to normal wear and tear from aging or joint injury.
Symptom Development
The development of arthritis symptoms varies, depending on the type of arthritis you have. With some forms of arthritis, symptoms develop gradually and progressively worsen as the disease progresses. Osteoarthritis, for example, is a degenerative condition that develops when the cartilage in joints breaks down slowly over time. As the cartilage wears away, the bones rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility.
With other forms of arthritis, such as gout, symptoms can develop suddenly, and joint pain, stiffness, and swelling may be severe and debilitating.
Many types of arthritis are associated with periods when symptoms worsen, called flare-ups. Flare-ups are common with autoimmune and inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Stress, infection, diet, weather changes, and other lifestyle and environmental factors can lead to flare-ups.
Common Types of Arthritis
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting children and adults of all ages. The most common types of arthritis are:
Osteoarthritis (OA): OA is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 32.5 million adults in the United States.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA):RA is the most common form of autoimmune arthritis, with approximately 1.3 million adults in the United States living with RA.
Gout: Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting 8.3 million U.S. adults.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA):PsA is an inflammatory arthritis associated with a skin condition (psoriasis). About 2.4 million people in the United States have psoriatic arthritis.
Less Common Types of Arthritis
Certain arthritis types are less common than others, including:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS):A kind of inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the joints and ligaments of the spine. AS is a progressive disease that can cause the spinal vertebrae to fuse over time. AS is rare, affecting only 0.5% of the general population.
Palindromic rheumatism (PR):A rare, recurrent inflammatory arthritis that causes brief episodes of severe joint pain, swelling, and redness in the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. The episodes (palindromes) last several hours to several days and often resolve spontaneously.
Reactive arthritis: A form of inflammatory arthritis that develops in response to a bacterial infection—usually a urinary tract or sexually transmitted infection. Approximately 1 in 1,000 people develop reactive arthritis.
Arthritis Can Affect Children, Too
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a general term describing a group of inflammatory and rheumatic diseases affecting children under age 16. Approximately 300,000 U.S. children live with JIA.
Most Painful Types of Arthritis
All arthritis types can cause pain. Experiences of pain are highly individual; what one person finds extremely painful may not be as severe for another. Several factors influence the severity of arthritis pain, including the severity of joint damage, frequency and duration of flare-ups, number of joints affected, and individual pain sensitivity.
Gout is often called the most painful type of arthritis due to the sudden onset of intense, severe pain. Gout occurs when uric acid (a body waste product) builds up in the synovial fluid surrounding joints. Gout pain usually develops at night, affecting one joint at a time—usually the big toe. It is often described as excruciating or throbbing pain.
Inflammatory and autoimmune forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, are also known for causing intense, sometimes debilitating pain. These types of arthritis are associated with chronic inflammation that can affect multiple joints and cause problems with other body parts and systems.
Undiagnosed Arthritis: Steps to Getting a Diagnosis
Experiencing joint pain, swelling, or stiffness can be a sign of arthritis. Whether you experience joint pain that comes and goes or is constant, it's important to see a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. Generally, joint pain or swelling that lasts for three days or longer or pain that feels worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting is a sign of arthritis.
The first step to getting a diagnosis is scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms in detail during the visit, including the location, severity, and duration of pain.
Your provider will also want to know whether you have a family history of arthritis and will perform a physical examination, focusing on the affected joints and assessing their range of motion. They may order blood tests, imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or joint fluid tests to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Summary
"Arthritis" is a general term that describes over 100 conditions affecting the joints and surrounding connective tissues. Arthritis can affect different joints throughout the body, depending on the type. All forms of arthritis involve joint pain, inflammation, or swelling; some can affect other body parts and systems.
Certain types of arthritis develop gradually over time, while others can cause sudden and severe pain. See a healthcare provider if you have joint pain or swelling to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. According to the NHS, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK and affects around eight million people.
The condition can affect a person’s mobility, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life, so taking steps to prevent or manage symptoms can make a real difference.
Here, we’ll cover exactly what osteoarthritis is – including symptoms, causes, prevention, and tips for coping. We hope you find it useful.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes joints to become stiff and painful.
It initially affects the smooth cartilage of a joint (which lines the joint and caps the ends of your bones), making it more difficult to move. Then, once the cartilage lining has begun to thin out, tendons and ligaments have to work harder to move joints, which can cause swelling and lead to the formation of bony lumps (osteophytes) on and around the joint.
Osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint in the body, but most commonly occurs in the hands, fingers, hips, knees, shoulders, and spine (typically the neck or lower back). While it can affect people of any age, it’s most common in older adults.
Osteoarthritis is often confused with osteoporosis because people can have both conditions at the same time – however, the two are different. While osteoarthritis causes joint pain and reduces joint function and mobility, osteoporosis is caused by a loss of bone mass, which increases a person’s risk of fractures and injury.
The condition also differs from rheumatoid arthritis, which is another form of arthritis that causes the immune system to attack joints, often leading to pain and swelling.
Joint pain, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility are some of the most common osteoarthritis symptoms.
Other symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, and grating, clicking, cracking, or popping sounds when joints are moved. Some people may also have extra lumps of bone in their joints or find that their joints look slightly bigger or more ‘knobbly’ than usual.
The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, and differ between individual joints. For example, some people might find that their symptoms come and go, or are mild, while others may experience more severe, continuous symptoms which can make it tricky to carry out daily activities.
We’ll cover some of the main types of osteoarthritis below as well as their symptoms…
Osteoarthritis of the knee
Osteoarthritis of the knee can make it painful to walk, particularly when going up or down stairs or hills.
You may find it difficult to straighten your legs, hear grating sounds when you move the joint, or find that your knees feel as though they might ‘give way’ beneath you.
Osteoarthritis of the knee usually affects both knees over time – unless the condition was the result of an injury or other condition that only affected one knee.
Osteoarthritis of the hand
Osteoarthritis tends to affect three main areas of the hand – the base of the thumb, the middle joints of your fingers, and the joints closest to your fingertips.
Symptoms include fingers becoming stiff, painful, swollen, and bending slightly sideways. Some people may also have bumps on their finger joints, or painful cysts on the back of their fingers. In some cases, a bump can also develop at the base of the thumb where it joins to your wrist.
Osteoarthritis of the hand can make it difficult to perform manual tasks such as opening jars, writing, and turning keys.
Osteoarthritis of the hip
Osteoarthritis of the hip can make it difficult to move your hip joints – for example, making it difficult to get in and out of a car or put your shoes on.
It can also cause pain in the groin or outside of the hip, which can get more intense when you move your hips.
What can cause osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is caused by damage to joints. In part, this is a normal process of life as our joints are exposed to constant low-level damage – for example, through everyday activities such as running, repetitive motions like typing, and sitting in the same cramped position for long periods of time.
In most cases, the body repairs itself and you won’t experience symptoms. However, osteoarthritis occurs when the damage is more severe and the protective cartilage at the end of bones breaks down. This can then cause swelling, pain, and problems moving the joints.
Damage to the protective cartilage can progress over time, which is why age is one of the major risk factors for osteoarthritis.
That being said, the condition can occur at any time, and there are a number of other risk factors to consider too. These include…
Obesity – being obese places excess strain on the joints, particularly on those responsible for bearing most weight, such as the hips and knees.
Previous injury – for example, dislocated joints, torn cartilage, or ligament injuries – and overusing a joint when it hasn’t had enough time to heal.
Other health conditions – osteoarthritis can occur in joints that have already been damaged by another condition, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Diabetes has also been identified as a risk factor. In fact, according to experts, almost half of adults with diabetes also have arthritis.
Family history – research suggests that osteoarthritis may run in families, though studies are yet to identify a single gene responsible for this.
Gender – due to factors like menopause, which can cause loss of bone mass, women have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than men.
Occupation – having a job that involves kneeling, heavy lifting, climbing, or other similar physical actions can increase the risk of osteoarthritis by placing strain on joints.
Poor posture – research has identified a strong link between poor posture and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed and treated?
There’s no definitive test used to diagnose osteoarthritis. Instead, diagnosis will typically involve your GP asking questions about your symptoms and examining your joints.
Further tests, such as blood tests or X-rays, are not usually necessary but may be used to rule out other possible causes of symptoms, such as bone fractures or rheumatoid arthritis.
There’s currently no cure for osteoarthritis, but a number of treatments can be used to help reduce symptoms. For example, painkillers or a structured exercise plan with a physiotherapist may be advised if your symptoms are more severe.
You can find out more about osteoarthritis treatment and support on the NHS website. However, you should always seek the advice of your GP before using any medication.
6 ways to manage symptoms and reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis
Alongside medication and other professional treatments, lifestyle changes can also play a role in managing osteoarthritis symptoms and reducing your risk of developing the condition.
We’ll cover some of these below…
1. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to keep joints healthy.
Research has shown that exercising regularly can help to slow down, manage, and, in some cases, prevent osteoarthritis. This is because it can relieve stiffness, reduce joint pain and fatigue, and increase bone and muscle strength (which reduces the amount of pressure on joints).
Low-impact exercise, such as resistance training, stretching, and walking, tend to be the most effective at keeping joints mobile while limiting strain. For ideas on how to get started, you might like to check out our articles; 15 low-impact exercise ideas and 7 low-impact exercises you can do at home.
2. Improve your posture
Working on your posture and avoiding staying in one position for too long can help to reduce your risk of osteoarthritis.
This includes moving around regularly and making sure that your chair’s adjusted to the correct height if your job involves sitting at a desk for long periods of time.
Exercise can help people keep their joints healthy and manage osteoarthritis symptoms – but getting enough rest is just as important.
Research has found that prioritising sleep quality and making sure you’re getting adequate rest each night may help to reduce osteoarthritis pain. This is because our bodies go into recovery mode during sleep.
If you struggle to get enough good quality rest, check out our tips in the sleep and fatigue section of our website.
4. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight places excess stress on joints, which can speed up the deterioration of joint cartilage. This can either worsen existing osteoarthritis symptoms or increase your risk of developing the condition.
As well as exercising regularly, one of the most important changes you can make towards maintaining a healthy weight is to eat a balanced diet.
Research has also revealed that some nutrients – such as calcium and vitamin D – are particularly beneficial for joint health.
Some joint-friendly foods include fatty fish, walnuts, ginger, broccoli, and olive oil. For example, research has found that the omega-3 fatty acid content of fish can lower the number of inflammatory markers in the body which are linked with osteoarthritis.
Research has drawn a link between diabetes and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.
This is because high glucose levels can speed up the creation of molecules that make bone cartilage stiff, and diabetes can also cause inflammation in the body that accelerates the breakdown of cartilage.
Osteoarthritis can be a painful and frustrating condition to live with. While there’s currently no cure, there are a number of things that can help to manage symptoms and also reduce your risk of developing the condition. Simple lifestyle habits, such as eating a joint-friendly diet and prioritising good quality sleep, can make all the difference.
For further reading, head over to the general health section of our website. Here, you’ll find information on everything from gut and bladder health to important health checks and how to stay healthy this winter.
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