It can be frustrating when you’re given the diagnosis of degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis and feel like there’s nothing you can do about it. If this has happened to you or a loved one, you’re not alone. Many patients that come to see us share these feelings when they arrive. Thankfully by the time they walk out of our office they have a new sense of hope. The truth is, arthritis doesn’t have to be a life sentence of pain and stiffness. While it’s common to hear that osteoarthritis is just “part of getting older,” that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the discomfort. There are things you can do to manage the pain and improve mobility. This week, we’re diving into the 5 main types of arthritis, with a special focus on understanding osteoarthritis, and what you can do to feel better.
What is Arthritis
It’s easy to loop arthritis under one big umbrella however there are 5 distinct types of arthritis and the way you deal with them vary. Generalized, arthritis is swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. It’s typically coupled with pain and stiffness. The 2 most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (degenerative) and rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory). Let’s break down the differences between the 5 main types to help better understand the complexity of arthritis.
1. Inflammatory Arthritis: When Your Immune System Attacks
Inflammatory arthritis happens when the immune system accidentally targets the body’s own tissues, specifically the joints. The most well-known type is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but conditions like psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis also fall under this category. Unlike osteoarthritis, which primarily involves wear and tear, inflammatory arthritis is driven by chronic inflammation. (1)
2. Infectious Arthritis: When Infection Affects Your Joints
Infectious arthritis happens when bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the joint and cause an infection. This type of arthritis can occur after surgery, a wound, or as a result of an infection elsewhere in the body that spreads to the joint.
3. Metabolic Arthritis: When Chemistry Goes Wrong
Metabolic arthritis, commonly refferred to as gout, occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms crystals that deposit in the joints. These deposits cause intense pain and inflammation that often comes on suddenly. This happens when the body cannot process uric acid properly, either because of improper kidney function or a diet high in purine-rich foods (such as red meat or alcohol). (2)
4. Childhood Arthritis: Juvenile Arthritis and Its Impact on Kids
Juvenile arthritis (JA) refers to any form of arthritis impacting children under the age of 16. The most common type is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a condition that causes inflammation in the joints and can impact a child’s growth and development. (3)
5. Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis): Wear and Tear, But Not Without Solutions
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. This can be cartilage in your joints wearing down over time or structural changes to your bones causing pain, stiffness, and swelling as the bones begin to rub against each other. While OA is often associated with aging, it’s not necessarily the only cause. You don’t just have to accept joint pain as part of growing older.
Did you know… 15% of the world over 30 years old has osteoarthritis
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
The primary cause is the breakdown of cartilage due to years of wear and tear. However, factors like joint injuries, obesity, or overuse from activities or repetitive motions can also speed up cartilage breakdown. Injuries can actually increase the possibility of getting OA by 300-600%.
Common Symptoms:
Gelling – rest doesn’t help alleviate pain but can actually make it worse
Swelling
Pain with palpation
What You Can Do
While osteoarthritis is degenerative, it doesn’t mean it can’t be managed. Weight management, regular low-impact exercise, and physical therapy can significantly reduce symptoms. People suffering from OA may have felt the “gelling” effect. This is where rest doesn’t make you feel better but more stiff and uncomfortable. The key is staying active and engaged in treatment. People will leave the ortho or PCP after having imaging done and hearing the words “bone on bone”. They are essentially left to fend for themselves. However, waiting for surgery isn’t the only thing you can do.
Improve Joint Mobility
When it comes down to arthritic joints we want to focus on the joint and what we can improve fundamentally. Even though things may have changed in cartilage or space of the joint, it doesn’t mean you can’t positively impact the mobility. There is almost always something you can do to improve it! Joint mobility has 3 parts to it: flexibility, stability, and strength. There is almost always room for improvement on any one or all of these aspects.
Don't Settle for Pain – There’s Always Something You Can Do
Understanding arthritis might feel like a challenge, but learning about the different types and knowing your options can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any of the other types, there are always steps you can take to improve your quality of life. From medication and lifestyle changes to exercise and therapies, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is hope for relief.
Links To Primers For Common Arthritic Joints
What Is A Primer?
Primers are our curated method for improving joint mobility as a whole. Learn how you can create your own here!
References:
1 –U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024a, May 30). Rheumatoid arthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis
2 – Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, August 29). Gout. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897
3 – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, October 7). Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/juvenile-arthritis
