Arthritis Means Joint Inflammation

Arthritis means joint inflammation, but the term is
used to describe around 200 conditions that affect

joints, the tissues that surround the joint, and
other connective tissue. It is a rheumatic
condition.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other common rheumatic

conditions related to arthritis includeTrusted Source gout, fibromyalgia,
and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Rheumatic conditions tend to involve pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in

and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or
suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involveTrusted Source the
immune system and various internal organs of the body.
Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (SLE), can

affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 54.4

millionTrusted Source adults in the United States have received a diagnosis of
some form of arthritis. Of these, 23.7 million people have their activity
curtailed in some way by their condition.
Arthritis is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, but it can
affect people of all ages, including children.
Fast facts on arthritis

Here are some key points about arthritis. More detail is in the main article.
 Arthritis refers to around 200 rheumatic diseases and conditions that
affect joints, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
 It can cause a range of symptoms and impair a person's ability to
perform everyday tasks.
 Physical activity has a positive effect on arthritis and can improve pain,
function, and mental health.
 Factors in the development of arthritis include injury, abnormal
metabolism, genetic makeup, infections, and immune system
dysfunction.
 Treatment aims to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or
maintain quality of life. It involves medications, physical therapies, and
patient education and support.
Causes
There is no single cause of all types of arthritis. The cause or causes vary
according to the type or form of arthritis.
Possible causes may include:
 injury, leading to degenerative arthritis

 abnormal metabolism, leading to gout and pseudogout
 inheritance, such as in osteoarthritis
 infections, such as in the arthritis of Lyme disease
 immune system dysfunction, such as in RA and SLE
Most types of arthritis are linked to a combination of factors, but some have no
obvious cause and appear to be unpredictable in their emergence.
Some people may be genetically more likely to develop certain arthritic
conditions. Additional factors, such as previous injury, infection, smoking and
physically demanding occupations, can interact with genes to further increase
the risk of arthritis.
Diet and nutrition can play a role in managing arthritis and the risk of arthritis,
although specific foods, food sensitivities or intolerances are not known to
cause arthritis.
Foods that increase inflammation, particularly animal-derived foods and diets

high in refined sugar, can make symptoms worse, as can eating foods that
provoke an immune system response.
Gout is one type of arthritis that is closely linked to diet, as it is caused by

elevated levels of uric acid which can be a result of a diet high in purines.
Diets that contain high-purine foods, such as seafood, red wine, and meats,
can trigger a gout flare-up. Vegetables and other plant foods that contain high
levels of purines do not appear to exacerbate gout symptoms, however.
Risk factors for arthritis
Certain risk factors have been associated with arthritis. Some of these are
modifiable while others are not.
Non-modifiable arthritis risk factors:
 Age: the risk of developing most types of arthritis increases with age.
 Sex: most types of arthritis are more common in females, and 60
percent of all people with arthritis are female. Gout is more common in
males than females.
 Genetic factors: specific genes are associated with a higher risk of
certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic
lupus erythematosus (SLE) and ankylosing spondylitis.
Modifiable arthritis risk factors:
 Overweight and obesity: excess weight can contribute to both the onset
and progression of knee osteoarthritis.
 Joint injuries: damage to a joint can contribute to the development of
osteoarthritis in that joint.
 Infection: many microbial agents can infect joints and trigger the
development of various forms of arthritis.
 Occupation: certain occupations that involve repetitive knee bending
and squatting are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
atural remedies
A healthful, balanced diet with appropriate exercise, avoiding smoking, and
not drinking excess alcohol can help people with arthritis maintain their overall
health.
Diet
There is no specific diet that treats arthritis, but some types of food may help
reduce inflammation.
The following foods, found in a Mediterranean diet, can provide many

nutrients that are good for joint health:
 fish
 nuts and seeds
 fruits and vegetables
 beans
 olive oil
 whole grains
Foods to avoid
There are some foods that people with arthritis may want to avoid.
Nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, contain a chemical called solanine

that some studies have linked with arthritis pain. Research findings are mixed
when it comes to these vegetables, but some people have reported a
reduction in arthritis symptoms when avoiding nightshade vegetables.
Self-management
Self-management of arthritis symptoms is also important.
Key strategies include:
 staying physically active

 achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
 getting regular check-ups with the doctor
 protecting joints from unnecessary stress
Seven habits that can help a person with arthritis to manage their condition
are:
1. Being organized: keep track of symptoms, pain levels, medications,
and possible side effects for consultations with your doctor.
2. Managing pain and fatigue: a medication regimen can be combined
with non-medical pain management. Learning to manage fatigue is key
to living comfortably with arthritis.
3. Staying active: exercise is beneficial for managing arthritis and overall
health.
4. Balancing activity with rest: in addition to remaining active, rest is
equally important when your disease is active.
5. Eating a healthful diet: a balanced diet can help you achieve a healthy
weight and control inflammation. Avoid refined, processed foods and
pro-inflammatory animal-derived foods and choose whole plant foods
that are high in antioxidants and that have anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Improving sleep: poor sleep can aggravate arthritis pain and fatigue.
Take steps to improve sleep hygiene so you find it easier to fall asleep
and stay asleep. Avoid caffeine and strenuous exercise in the evenings
and restrict screen-time just before sleeping.
7. Caring for joints: tips for protecting joints include using the stronger,
larger joints as levers when opening doors, using several joints to
spread the weight of an object such as using a backpack and gripping
as loosely as possible by using padded handles.
Do not sit in the same position for long periods. Take regular breaks to keep
mobile.
Physical therapies
Doctors will often recommend a course of physical therapy to help patients

with arthritis overcome some of the challenges and to reduce limitations on
mobility.
Forms of physical therapy that may be recommended include:
 Warm water therapy: exercises in a warm-water pool. The water

supports weight and puts less pressure on the muscles and joints
 Physical therapy: specific exercises tailored to the condition and
individual needs, sometimes combined with pain-relieving treatments
such as ice or hot packs and massage
 Occupational therapy: practical advice on managing everyday tasks,
choosing specialized aids and equipment, protecting the joints from
further damage and managing fatigue
Physical activity
Research suggests that although individuals with arthritis may experience

short-term increases in pain when first beginning exercise, continued physical
activity can be an effective way to reduce symptomsTrusted Source long-
term.
People with arthritis can participate in joint-friendly physical activity on their

own or with friends. As many people with arthritis have another condition,
such as heart disease, it is important to choose appropriate activities.
Joint-friendly physical activities that are appropriate for adults with arthritis and
heart disease include:
 walking
 swimming
 cycling
A health care professional can help you find ways to live a healthful lifestyle
and have a better quality of life.
Natural therapies
A number of natural remedies have been suggested for different types of

arthritis.
According to the organization Versus Arthritis, based in the United Kingdom

(U.K.), some research has supported the use of devil's claw, rosehip, and
Boswellia, from the frankincense tree. Devil's claw and Boswellia supplements
can be purchased online.
There is some evidenceTrusted Source that turmeric may help, but more

studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Various other herbs and spices have been recommended for RA, but again,
more research is needed. They include turmeric, garlic, ginger, black pepper,
and green tea.
Many of these herbs and spices are available to purchase online in

supplement form, including turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
Anyone who is considering using natural remedies for any type of arthritis
should speak to a doctor first.
Early signs
The symptoms of arthritis that appear and how they appear vary widely,
depending on the type.
They can develop gradually or suddenly. As arthritis is most often a chronic

disease, symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.
However, anyone who experiences any of the following four key warning
signs should see a doctor.
1. Pain: Pain from arthritis can be constant, or it may come and go. It may
affect only one part, or be felt in many parts of the body
2. Swelling: In some types of arthritis the skin over the affected joint
becomes red and swollen and feels warm to the touch
3. Stiffness. Stiffness is a typical symptom. With some types, this is most
likely upon waking up in the morning, after sitting at a desk, or after
sitting in a car for a long time. With other types, stiffness may occur after
exercise, or it may be persistent.
4. Difficulty moving a joint: If moving a joint or getting up from a chair is
hard or painful, this could indicate arthritis or another joint problem.

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Arthritis means joint inflammation, but the term is

used to describe around 200 conditions that affect

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other common rheumatic

Rheumatic conditions tend to involve pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in

Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (SLE), can

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 54.4

Fast facts on arthritis

Possible causes may include:

 injury, leading to degenerative arthritis

Foods that increase inflammation, particularly animal-derived foods and diets

Gout is one type of arthritis that is closely linked to diet, as it is caused by

Risk factors for arthritis

Non-modifiable arthritis risk factors:

Modifiable arthritis risk factors:

The following foods, found in a Mediterranean diet, can provide many

Nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, contain a chemical called solanine

Self-management of arthritis symptoms is also important.

Key strategies include:

 staying physically active

Doctors will often recommend a course of physical therapy to help patients

 Warm water therapy: exercises in a warm-water pool. The water

Research suggests that although individuals with arthritis may experience

People with arthritis can participate in joint-friendly physical activity on their

A number of natural remedies have been suggested for different types of

According to the organization Versus Arthritis, based in the United Kingdom

There is some evidenceTrusted Source that turmeric may help, but more

Many of these herbs and spices are available to purchase online in

They can develop gradually or suddenly. As arthritis is most often a chronic

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