Types of arthritis and what’s behind each

From vindy.com

Arthritis affects people all over the world. Approximately 53.2 million adults in the United States have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But many more suffer in undiagnosed silence. Globally, nearly 300 million people may live with arthritis.

Arthritis can range from mild to debilitating and stem from a variety of causes. Understanding what’s behind arthritis can help people get the treatment they need. Here are the major types of arthritis and their causes. 

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, says the Cleveland Clinic. It forms as the result of wear-and-tear on cartilage, which breaks down over time. Aging, repetitive movements or previous joint injuries can cause osteoarthritis.

• Gout: Gout is a metabolic condition caused by the build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. The Mayo Clinic says the build-up occurs when the kidneys cannot filter the uric acid effectively or when the body produces too much. Pain, swelling and tenderness can occur in the joints, often in the big toe.

• Autoimmune: Some forms of arthritis are autoimmune in nature, meaning that the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This occurs with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, according to Penn Medicine.

• Infection/injury: Sometimes viral or bacterial infections or acute joint injuries can trigger arthritis, says the Cleveland Clinic.

Certain risk factors elevate the chances of developing arthritis. Risk elevates as joints age and wear down, so older adults are more likely to experience arthritis. Carrying extra weight puts pressure on joints like the knees, so those who are overweight are more likely to get arthritis. Genetics can make a person more vulnerable to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and women are more likely to develop it.

There are various treatments for arthritis, and anyone in pain can work with a doctor to make lifestyle changes that can alleviate symptoms and help them live fuller lives.

https://www.vindy.com/life/lifestyles/2026/10/types-of-arthritis-and-whats-behind-each/

No, arthritis isn’t just an old person’s problem: Five common myths busted

From stuff.co.nz

More than 850,000 New Zealanders live with arthritis, but despite how common it is, plenty of myths and misconceptions remain.

We asked Arthritis New Zealand Mateponapona Aotearoa to bust five of the most common myths it hears every day.

                                                                                                                     Photo: 123rf

Myth 1: Arthritis is just part of getting older

False.

‘Oh, arthritis? That’s just something only old people get’ – right? Wrong, and I should know. In my early 40s (shut up, that’s not old), I got a severe form of reactive arthritis from a food bug. You can read about my ‘fun’ journey here.

Sure, osteoarthritis becomes more common as we age, but there are more than 140 types of arthritis, including mine. Arthritis affects people of all ages, including children, teenagers and young adults.

Bottom line: Arthritis can affect anyone, regardless of age.

Myth 2: If my X-ray shows arthritis, that's why I'm in pain

Not necessarily.

An X-ray gives you a snapshot of what the bones in your joints look like, but it doesn’t necessarily show the whole picture.

Arthritis NZ says that in some cases, people can have significant changes on an X-ray but experience very little pain, while in others, there may be severe pain despite only minor changes showing up on an X-ray.

X-rays are a piece of the puzzle, but healthcare professionals look at the person and their symptoms as a whole, rather than relying on an X-ray alone.

Bottom line: Treat the person, not just the X-ray.

Myth 3: Gout is caused by eating rich food and drinking too much alcohol

False.

Not everyone will know that gout is a form of arthritis. It develops when too much uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals in the joints, often because the kidneys aren't removing enough uric acid from the body. Genetics also play a major role.

While certain foods and alcohol can trigger attacks – such as beer, sugary food and drinks, liver, some meats and seafood – they aren't usually the underlying cause.

Thankfully, gout, although painful, is also highly treatable. Urate-lowering medication can help prevent attacks and protect the joints.

Bottom line: Gout can be effectively managed.

Myth 4: Exercise wears out your joints if you have arthritis

False.

A particularly bad bout of reactive arthritis for me came during Christmas one year. I could hardly walk without screaming in pain, but my partner, later husband, decided to buy me a Fitbit. The irony was dripping as I put it on my wrist.

But he was actually right – appropriate exercise can reduce pain, strengthen muscles and help maintain joint function.

Don’t push through pain, but find movement that works for you. Long-term inactivity won't help – it can lead to weaker muscles, stiffer joints and potentially more pain.

Bottom line: Movement can be one of the best ways to manage arthritis.

Myth 5: Osteoarthritis is just 'wear and tear'

Not anymore.

In the past, osteoarthritis was described as joints simply wearing out with age and use. Not now – we know it’s more complex than that.

Arthritis NZ describes it as a “whole-joint condition involving cartilage, bone, muscles and inflammation”.

“While age and previous injury can increase the risk, staying active, strengthening muscles and managing symptoms early can help people continue living well with osteoarthritis.”

Bottom line: Osteoarthritis is more complicated than simply "worn-out" joints.

Bonus: Cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis

False.

The cracking sound comes from changes involving gas within the fluid that lubricates your joints. There's no evidence that regularly cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/health/361010099/no-arthritis-isnt-just-old-persons-problem-five-common-myths-busted 

Types of arth­ritis and what’s behind each

From pressreader.com

By The Shopper

Arth­ritis affects people all over the world. Approx­im­ately 53.2 mil­lion adults in the United States have doc­tor-dia­gnosed arth­ritis, says the Cen­ters for Dis­ease Con­trol and Pre­ven­tion. But many more suf­fer in undia­gnosed silence. Glob­ally, nearly 300 mil­lion people may live with arth­ritis.

Arth­ritis can range from mild to debil­it­at­ing and stem from a vari­ety of causes. Under­stand­ing what’s behind arth­ritis can help people get the treat­ment they need. Here are the major types of arth­ritis and their causes.

• Osteoarth­ritis: Osteoarth­ritis is the most com­mon form of arth­ritis, says the Clev­e­land Clinic. It forms as the res­ult of wear-and-tear on car­til­age, which breaks down over time. Aging, repet­it­ive move­ments or pre­vi­ous joint injur­ies can cause osteoarth­ritis.

• Gout: Gout is a meta­bolic con­di­tion caused by the build-up of uric acid crys­tals in the joints. The Mayo Clinic says the build-up occurs when the kid­neys can­not fil­ter the uric acid effect­ively or when the body pro­duces too much. Pain, swell­ing and ten­der­ness can occur in the joints, often in the big toe.

• Autoim­mune: Some forms of arth­ritis are autoim­mune in nature, mean­ing that the immune sys­tem mis­takenly attacks the joints. This occurs with rheum­at­oid arth­ritis and psori­atic arth­ritis, accord­ing to Penn Medi­cine.

• Infec­tion/injury: Some­times viral or bac­terial infec­tions or acute joint injur­ies can trig­ger arth­ritis, says the Clev­e­land Clinic.

Cer­tain risk factors elev­ate the chances of devel­op­ing arth­ritis. Risk elev­ates as joints age and wear down, so older adults are more likely to exper­i­ence arth­ritis. Car­ry­ing extra weight puts pres­sure on joints like the knees, so those who are over­weight are more likely to get arth­ritis. Genet­ics can make a per­son more vul­ner­able to dis­eases like rheum­at­oid arth­ritis, and women are more likely to develop it.

There are vari­ous treat­ments for arth­ritis, and any­one in pain can work with a doc­tor to make life­style changes that can alle­vi­ate symp­toms and help them live fuller lives.

https://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-shopper/20260509/281560887412522

Common signs of arthritis in over 60s and when to seek help

From independent.co.uk

Worsening levels of pain may indicate a more serious issue 

Arthritis is a widespread condition in the UK, especially among those aged 60 and over.

While some level of discomfort can be a natural part of ageing, ongoing or worsening symptoms may indicate a more serious issue that shouldn’t be ignored.

To learn more, Justine Musiime, a chartered physiotherapist with a special interest in rehabilitation for older adults, revealed three of the most common types of arthritis in later life.

She also shared some key insights about when to seek professional advice for symptoms and why early intervention is so important.

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis in older people is osteoarthritis.

“Osteoarthritis is mainly the degeneration or wear and tear of the joint,” explains Musiime. “It mainly affect the knees and the hips, but can also affect other joints in the hands and the spine.”

In osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones breaks down and bony growths can develop, according to the NHS website.

It is estimated that around 8.75 million people in the UK have seen a doctor about osteoarthritis, according to Versus Arthritis’ website, and pain and tenderness are common symptoms.

“The pain is usually worse in the morning,” says Musiime. “So, after someone has been asleep, when they wake up they often feel terrible pain when they try to move. There can also be swelling as well.

“Sometimes people will also hear a crunching noise when they try to move the affected joint.”

However, the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and between different affected joints.

The exact cause is not known, but several things are thought to increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis such as joint injury, age, family history and obesity, according to the NHS website.

Osteoarthritis is also more common in women than men.

                                                     I think if people are displaying symptoms, they should seek help as soon as possible (Alamy/PA)

Rheumatoid arthritis

“Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system starts attacking the joints by mistake, causing inflammation,” explains Musiime.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can include swollen and tender joints, swelling and stiffness in joints in the morning that lasts for longer than half an hour, severe tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell, according to Versus Arthritis.

Over time this inflammation can damage the joints, cartilage and nearby bone.

According to the NHS website, the condition usually affects the hands, feet and wrists and there may be periods where symptoms become worse, known as flare-ups or flares.

The NHS website also states that a flare can be difficult to predict, but with treatment it’s possible to decrease the number of flares and minimise or prevent long-term damage to the joints.

While rheumatoid arthritis can affect adults of any age, it’s most commonly starts among people between the ages of 40 and 60, according to Versus Arthritis.

Gout

“Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the body,” explains Musiime. This can lead to crystals forming around your joints, which causes pain, according to the NHS website.

“This mainly affects the big toe, causing it to be swollen, painful and sometimes red,” notes Musiime. “Sometimes you might also see skin peeling off.”

Things that can trigger a gout attack include an illness that causes a high temperature, too much alcohol or a very large meal, dehydration, a joint injury or certain medicine, according to the NHS website.

When should people seek help about their symptoms – and why is it important?

“I think if people are displaying symptoms, they should seek help as soon as possible. With the different kinds of arthritis there are different ways of managing the symptoms,” says Musiime. “Arthritis can affect people’s everyday life, even doing basic things like cooking, cleaning and dressing. I have met patients with arthritis who are unable to wash themselves.

“Arthritis isn’t curable, but seeking professional advice can help manage the symptoms and might be able to help slow the progression down too.”

Medication is a common pain management strategy for arthritis.

“I always tell my patients that they need to take the pain medication they have been prescribed because it can help take the edge off the pain,” says Musiime. “It also means that the medication will be in their system for when they start or try to get up and walk.

“Patients with arthritis are often prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, but it’s best to talk to your GP to figure out the best medication for you.”

It’s also very important to stay active.

“Swimming is good because being in water means there is less pressure and pain on the joints and walking is also really good,” says Musiime. “But, any exercise that you enjoy engaging in is good, as long as it does not make the pain excruciating to the extent that you are not able to function. Any movement of the joints and strengthening the muscles around those joints is very important.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/health-and-wellbeing/arthritis-symptoms-treatment-doctor-b2866454.html

Gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis look quite different but share more than you think

From koreabiomed.com

Gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis may appear to be distinct diseases, but they share many commonalities.

The most notable of these is that all three are rheumatic diseases caused by abnormalities in the body's immune system, leading to inflammation in the joints and throughout the body.

“There is another important commonality among gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis,” said Professor Lee Joo-ha of the Department of Rheumatology at the Catholic University of Korea’s Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, speaking on Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital TV. “For rheumatic diseases like psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout, early diagnosis and consistent management are paramount. Missing the treatment window can lead to joint damage and various complications, significantly lowering quality of life.”

Gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis may appear to be distinct diseases, but they share many commonalities. The most crucial is that all three are rheumatic diseases caused by abnormalities in the body's immune system, leading to inflammation in the joints and throughout the body. (Credit: Getty Images)

Gout is rapidly increasing, even among young people. It is a disease in which uric acid crystals -- formed by elevated blood uric acid levels -- accumulate in or around joints, causing inflammation. “It is often due to a reduced ability to excrete uric acid through the kidneys,” Professor Lee explained. “It is not diagnosed based solely on high blood uric acid levels.”

During a severe gout flare-up, uric acid levels can actually appear normal. “Particular caution is needed during acute attacks, as levels may remain within the normal range,” Professor Lee said.

Some mistakenly believe treatment ends once a flare-up subsides, but this is not the case. “Consistent medication management of uric acid levels is essential to prevent complications like tophi or bone damage. Taking urate-lowering drugs is the core of treatment, and avoiding alcohol and certain foods also helps,” Professor Lee said. “The benefits of consistent treatment far outweigh concerns about side effects.”

Ankylosing spondylitis causes back pain that worsens at rest and improves with movement—it is not simple back pain. It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system primarily attacks the spine and pelvic joints, causing inflammation and potentially leading to gradual spinal fusion. It typically begins in young adults, primarily between the ages of 15 and 30.

Professor Lee described the hallmark symptom of ankylosing spondylitis as “inflammatory back pain that worsens with rest and improves with movement,” adding that “morning stiffness is characteristic.” Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause inflammation in other joints, as well as in the eyes, skin, and intestines.

Diagnosis involves confirming characteristic back pain and systemic symptoms, supplemented by imaging and genetic testing such as HLA-B27. Controlling inflammation and alleviating pain through medication can prevent spinal deformity and help maintain a healthy daily life. Consistent stretching and exercise are also crucial.

Psoriatic arthritis affects the skin, hands, and even the toenails. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, spine, and tendon attachment sites, along with psoriatic skin and nail symptoms. Diagnosis involves comprehensively assessing both skin and joint symptoms, along with blood tests and imaging studies, to differentiate it from other conditions.

Controlling inflammation and pain with medication can help manage joint damage and psoriasis symptoms. Currently, effective treatments include anti-inflammatory pain relievers, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and JAK inhibitors.

Gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis share one final commonality.

“Even if the pain seems to subside temporarily, if it recurs -- or if morning stiffness or pain persists -- it may not be ordinary pain,” Professor Lee said. “It is crucial not to dismiss these symptoms lightly and to consult a rheumatologist for an accurate diagnosis.”

https://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=29496 

The 3 common types of arthritis in over 60s, the symptoms and when to seek help

From the-independent.com

Some level of discomfort can be down to ageing, but worsening symptoms may indicate a more serious issue 

Arthritis is a widespread condition in the UK, especially among those aged 60 and over.

While some level of discomfort can be a natural part of ageing, ongoing or worsening symptoms may indicate a more serious issue that shouldn’t be ignored.

To learn more, Justine Musiime, a chartered physiotherapist with a special interest in rehabilitation for older adults, revealed three of the most common types of arthritis in later life.

She also shared some key insights about when to seek professional advice for symptoms and why early intervention is so important.

                                                             Arthritis is common in people aged 60 and over (Alamy/PA)

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis in older people is osteoarthritis.

“Osteoarthritis is mainly the degeneration or wear and tear of the joint,” explains Musiime. “It mainly affect the knees and the hips, but can also affect other joints in the hands and the spine.”

In osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones breaks down and bony growths can develop, according to the NHS website.

It is estimated that around 8.75 million people in the UK have seen a doctor about osteoarthritis, according to Versus Arthritis’ website, and pain and tenderness are common symptoms.

“The pain is usually worse in the morning,” says Musiime. “So, after someone has been asleep, when they wake up they often feel terrible pain when they try to move. There can also be swelling as well.

“Sometimes people will also hear a crunching noise when they try to move the affected joint.”

However, the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and between different affected joints.

The exact cause is not known, but several things are thought to increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis such as joint injury, age, family history and obesity, according to the NHS website.

Osteoarthritis is also more common in women than men.

Rheumatoid arthritis

“Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system starts attacking the joints by mistake, causing inflammation,” explains Musiime.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can include swollen and tender joints, swelling and stiffness in joints in the morning that lasts for longer than half an hour, severe tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell, according to Versus Arthritis.

Over time this inflammation can damage the joints, cartilage and nearby bone.

According to the NHS website, the condition usually affects the hands, feet and wrists and there may be periods where symptoms become worse, known as flare-ups or flares.

The NHS website also states that a flare can be difficult to predict, but with treatment it’s possible to decrease the number of flares and minimise or prevent long-term damage to the joints.

While rheumatoid arthritis can affect adults of any age, it’s most commonly starts among people between the ages of 40 and 60, according to Versus Arthritis.

Gout

“Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the body,” explains Musiime. This can lead to crystals forming around your joints, which causes pain, according to the NHS website.

“This mainly affects the big toe, causing it to be swollen, painful and sometimes red,” notes Musiime. “Sometimes you might also see skin peeling off.”

Things that can trigger a gout attack include an illness that causes a high temperature, too much alcohol or a very large meal, dehydration, a joint injury or certain medicine, according to the NHS website.

                                               I think if people are displaying symptoms, they should seek help as soon as possible (Alamy/PA)

When should people seek help about their symptoms – and why is it important?

“I think if people are displaying symptoms, they should seek help as soon as possible. With the different kinds of arthritis there are different ways of managing the symptoms,” says Musiime. “Arthritis can affect people’s everyday life, even doing basic things like cooking, cleaning and dressing. I have met patients with arthritis who are unable to wash themselves.

“Arthritis isn’t curable, but seeking professional advice can help manage the symptoms and might be able to help slow the progression down too.”

Medication is a common pain management strategy for arthritis.

“I always tell my patients that they need to take the pain medication they have been prescribed because it can help take the edge off the pain,” says Musiime. “It also means that the medication will be in their system for when they start or try to get up and walk.

“Patients with arthritis are often prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, but it’s best to talk to your GP to figure out the best medication for you.”

https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/arthritis-over-60s-symptoms-treatment-b2798871.html

Gout, a painful form of arthritis, is on the rise. Avoiding red meat and alcohol can help.

From yahoo.com 

Gout sounds like a disease that shouldn’t exist anymore, especially since it’s referred to as the “disease of kings” because of its connection to royal leaders like Henry VIII, who lived with the condition due to overindulging in food and alcohol. However, this ancient condition is on the rise across the globe.

A recent study found a rise in the incidence (the number of new cases) and prevalence (the number of existing cases) of gout from 1990 to 2019. Increases in gout were most significant in the U.S., Canada and Australia for both men and women. Researchers noted that reasons for the increase include obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and renal diseases.

“Gout is a common type of arthritis that can be extremely painful,” Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize, board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians, tells Yahoo Life. “Symptoms include swelling and pain in joints like your feet, ankles, wrists, and elbows.”

What causes gout?

The condition is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the body. Uric acid forms when the body breaks down purines, a chemical compound that cells use to form DNA and RNA. Meat and meat products contain purines.

Uric acid forms crystals around joints in the body, most commonly in the big toe or knee, but can be found in any joint. When this occurs, the affected joint results in severe pain, swelling and redness.

“These crystals do not belong in the joints and when there is something found where it doesn’t belong, especially in tight spaces, the area gets inflamed and painful,” Dr. Eric Ascher, family medicine physician at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, tells Yahoo Life. “Even a bedsheet over the area infected could cause someone a large deal of pain and discomfort.”

Who is at risk for having gout?

There are some factors that make people more predisposed to the condition than others. While anyone can get gout — including in very rare cases, children — people between 40 and 60 years old are more likely to have the condition. Gout most often affects middle-aged and older men. In fact, men are three to 10 times more likely to have gout than women.

However, younger men and women of all ages can have gout. In the last 20 years, gout has more than doubled among women, affecting more than 3 million, but the symptoms may be different. Rather than a sudden occurrence in the big toe, gout may affect women slowly over time in several joints like the knees, wrists, fingertips and toes — areas that may already be affected by osteoarthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

“While men develop gout more often than women, women are more likely to develop gout after menopause,” says Iroku-Malize.

This is due to the drop in oestrogen in perimenopause. “Less oestrogen means more uric acid,” Amanda Dewees, a family nurse practitioner at Norton Mobile Primary Care, tells Yahoo Life.

One study published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy, found that earlier menopause and a shorter reproductive span were associated with a high risk of gout.

Certain racial and ethnic minority groups are also at higher risk of having gout, including Asians, who are two times more likely to have gout than white people.

“Gout is genetic and can run in families,” says Iroku-Malize.

How is gout treated and prevented?

A doctor can diagnose gout by examining the joints and looking for a pattern of swelling. “We will also look for uric acid crystals either in your joints or through a blood test,” says Iroku-Malize.

Medications that can help treat symptoms of pain and swelling include over-the-counter or prescription varieties. Colchicine can also help manage pain from gout when taken immediately after symptoms occur, and corticosteroids can help with inflammation, swelling and pain. Doctors may also prescribe a medication to treat elevated uric acid.

Practicing certain lifestyle habits can help lower the risk of having gout and prevent future flare-ups. “First, it’s important to limit or avoid foods that are rich in purines as is possible depending on your cultural background, family cuisine or current nutrition needs,” says Iroku-Malize.

Foods to avoid include:

• Red meat, such as beef, lamb, pork and bacon

• Organ meat, such as liver and sweetbreads

• Alcohol, especially red wine and beer

• Shellfish, such as shrimp and scallops

• High-fructose corn syrups, such as those found in sugary beverages

Ascher recommends eating bananas since “high potassium, low purines, will actually help reduce uric acid levels,” he says. Consuming coffee, dairy and eggs in moderation can also lower uric acid levels.

Staying well-hydrated is also helpful. “Lots of water can help flush uric acid from your body,” says Iroku-Malize.

The National Institutes of Health recommends the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, especially for people with high blood pressure and gout because it can help lower blood pressure and urate levels and thus prevent gout flares. The plan includes:

• Lots of vegetables, fruits and whole grains

• Eating low-fat or fat-free dairy products, poultry and oils

• Keeping foods high in saturated fats to a minimum

• Limiting foods and drinks with sugar in them

In addition to changing eating habits, an active lifestyle can reduce stress and pressure on joints and decrease risk of developing gout.

“I highly recommend getting daily exercise, such as a 30-minute walk to reduce flare-ups. Being overweight increases the risk of gout, so maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk,” says Dewees.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/gout-a-painful-form-of-arthritis-is-on-the-rise-avoiding-red-meat-and-alcohol-can-help-191134483.html