From health.com
Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, inflammation, and limited mobility in your joints. There are several subtypes of arthritis, all of which cause varying levels of discomfort and affect different parts of your body.
In most cases, arthritis pain develops gradually and can worsen as time goes on. Some people may experience pain suddenly. Pain may also worsen at the end of the day or after physical activity.
There's no cure for arthritis, but there are several ways to manage the pain. Many people choose to use medications to reduce inflammation. You can also try home remedies in addition to medical treatments. If you have arthritis or are experiencing joint pain, seek advice from your healthcare provider to receive proper treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
Potential Causes of Arthritis Pain
Arthritis pain can occur for two primary reasons: mechanical breakdown of your joints due to aging and wear-and-tear or inflammation due to an immune system response. Several different conditions can cause joint pain, including the following.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that causes a gradual breakdown of the entire joint and its cartilage (cushion) over time. Without the cartilage to provide a cushion, the bones rub together, which can change the shape of your bone. This can result in extreme pain, increased inflammation, and joint stiffness that limits your mobility.
Normal wear and tear of aging or an injury (such as an ACL tear) can cause symptoms of OA to develop.
Most people with OA typically experience pain in the joints of the knees, hips, lower back, hands, and neck. The discomfort tends to increase at night-time or after completing a physical activity, such as household chores or exercise. Other symptoms may include:
- Stiffness in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity
- Decreased joint mobility or flexibility
- Clicking sounds when bending the joint
- Joint swelling
- Weak muscles around the affected joint
Not everyone will get OA as they age. While the condition is common in people over 50, younger people may also develop symptoms of osteoarthritis. Factors like joint injury, obesity, muscle weakness, and having a family history of OA can all increase your risk of developing the condition at an earlier age.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack your joints. Researchers don't know the exact cause of RA, but a combination of genetics and environmental factors (like infection or stress) can trigger your immune system. After the immune system becomes activated, it attacks the synovium (the lining of your joints), causing a range of symptoms like pain and stiffness.
RA usually starts in the feet and ankles and tends to affect the same joint on both sides of your body. People with RA often experience joint stiffness in the morning that lasts longer than 30 minutes. Other symptoms of this condition include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Muscle weakness.
You may be at an increased risk of developing these symptoms if you were assigned female at birth, are middle-aged, or have a family history of this condition.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is another autoimmune condition that occurs when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your joint tissue and skin. Many people who develop PsA also have an underlying diagnosis of psoriasis—a common skin condition that causes inflamed patches of itchy skin. However, it is possible to develop PsA without having psoriasis—though this is rare.
If you develop PsA, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swollen fingers and toes
- Redness and swelling around the joints
- Inflamed and discoloured patches on the skin
- Nail discoloration and pitting (holes in your nails)
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
- Limited range of motion in your joints
Gout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when your joints have an excessive build-up of uric acid (a waste product). When uric acid gets left in your body and builds up, it creates needle-like crystals around the joints, causing extreme joint pain and inflammation. Generally, gout develops in your big toe, but other body parts like your knees and elbows can also become affected.
This condition is very common, but you may have a higher chance of developing symptoms if you have an underlying diagnosis of obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and psoriasis.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you're experiencing joint pain, meet with your healthcare provider to learn how to reduce your symptoms and preserve the function of your joint. Consider reaching out to your provider if you develop any of these symptoms:
- Sharp, stabbing, or constant joint pain
- Limping
- Joint pain that worsens at night or after exercise
- Excessive swelling and tenderness around the joints
In some cases, arthritis-related conditions may lead to complications. If you have a type of arthritis and experience any of the following symptoms, it's important to seek prompt medical care:
- Joints that are discoloured or feel warm
- New skin rashes
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fevers or chills
- Eye redness or pain
Diagnosis
If you're ready to make an appointment about your joint pain, it can help to understand the diagnostic process. In most cases, you'll see your primary care provider first to discuss your symptoms. If they think that you have arthritis, they will likely refer you to a rheumatologist—or, a doctor who specializes in inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and bones.
During your appointment, your provider will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam. They'll want to know if you have any underlying health conditions and check for symptoms like swelling, inflammation, stiffness, or warmth around the joints.
To learn more about your condition and overall health status, your provider may also order one or more of the following symptoms:
- Blood tests: Rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies, and anti-double-stranded DNA are diagnostic tests used to detect autoimmune disorders. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein tests can also help detect inflammation.
- Joint fluid analysis: This exam involves using a needle to withdraw fluid from your joint to check uric acid levels or test you for an infection that may trigger your arthritis symptoms.
- Imaging tests: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scans, and X-rays can help to determine the extent of joint erosion and bone damage.
How To Treat Arthritis Pain
The goal of arthritis treatment is to help you better manage your pain, reduce symptoms, and improve your mobility. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Advil (ibuprofen) can help reduce inflammation, while Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help relieve pain. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your provider may also order prescription-strength medication for you.
Other remedies in conjunction with medication can also help reduce symptoms. Consider the following pain-relieving treatments:
- Regular physical activity: Exercise and gentle movement can help strengthen the muscles that surround the joints and relieve pain.
- Heat or ice therapy: Heat can help relieve muscle pain surrounding the joint and ice plays a role in reducing inflammation. When using heat and ice therapy together, alternate which therapy you're using and apply each treatment for 15 minutes at a time. It's also helpful to use an ice pack or heating pad with a protective barrier, such as a towel.
- Massage: Swedish massages can relieve stress and promote relaxation in your body, while deep-tissue massages can help improve joint pain and reduce knots in the affected areas.
- Biofeedback: This mindfulness technique can help reduce pain by teaching you how to control your breathing, heart rate, and muscle responses.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): This type of psychotherapy helps you identify negative thoughts and feelings about your symptoms, which can help lower perceived stress levels and reduce pain.
A Quick Review
Many types of arthritis can cause joint pain, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. While there's no cure for arthritis, several treatments can help reduce your pain, increase mobility, and improve your overall quality of life.
Your healthcare provider may recommend medication alongside treatments like massages, heat and ice therapy, and gentle physical activity to help you manage symptoms.
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