What is ailing you: Understanding the different types of arthritis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 53 million people in the U.S. have arthritis. It may sound like a single disease, but there are multiple types of arthritis.

The word “arthritis” means joint inflammation. When you think about arthritis, you probably think of the type related to wear and tear on the body as we age. That’s osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, but it isn’t the only one. Keep reading to learn about five common forms of the disease.

How arthritis affects the body

From the definition of arthritis, we know that the disease causes joint inflammation. While all types of arthritis have that in common, many other aspects of the disease vary from type to type:

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, meaning the affected joint breaks down over time. This form of arthritis is most common among older adults and is usually related to wear and tear on the body. It can affect joints in many different parts of the body, including the hands, knees, neck and lower back, causing joint pain, stiffness and swelling. As the condition worsens, it can limit a person’s range of motion and ability to move normally.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This type of arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the connective tissues in the joints. It can affect most joints in the arms and legs, as well as the spine and jaw. Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause symptoms unrelated to the joints, including heart issues and vision problems.

Gout, a type of arthritis, most commonly affects the big toe. Uric acid is a byproduct when compounds in certain foods and drinks are metabolized. When high uric acid levels build up in the body, uric acid crystals form around the joints. These crystals cause inflammation, leading to flare-ups of pain and swelling.

Psoriatic arthritis occurs when the immune system becomes overactive, causing inflammation in the joints. Psoriatic arthritis typically affects those who have psoriasis, a condition that causes scaly, inflamed patches of skin. The disease causes many common symptoms of arthritis, including pain, swelling, and discomfort where tendons or ligaments attach to bones.

Reactive arthritis occurs after a bacterial infection in the digestive system, urinary tract or genitals. The most common symptom is pain in the sacroiliac joints in the lower back. While symptoms, including pain, are usually mild, they can become severe, limiting a person’s quality of life. In some cases, reactive arthritis can also cause pink eye, urinary tract inflammation and a skin rash.

To determine what’s causing inflammation, a medical provider will perform a physical exam and use several diagnostic tools. If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, for example, you may have a blood test for rheumatoid factor, a standard marker of the disease.

What you can do to ease the aches of arthritis

If you are diagnosed with arthritis, you may benefit from prescription medications and other therapies. You can also take other steps to find relief, including regular exercise.

While exercise may be the last thing on your mind when dealing with arthritis pain, moving your body can be therapeutic. Physical activity helps strengthen the muscles surrounding and supporting the joints and improves flexibility and balance.

What you eat can also help ease arthritis symptoms. Choose foods that are known to be anti-inflammatories, such as fatty fish, dark-colored fruits, including berries, most vegetables, nuts and seeds, and green tea. Limit your intake of foods linked with inflammation, including those high in sugar, saturated fats and refined carbs.

You may relieve symptoms by applying heat or cold to the affected joint, massage, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy. You don’t have to live with arthritis pain—experiment to find the right blend of tools to ease your discomfort.

Older adults have unique health needs and challenges. The Touro Senior Care program offers the specialized care you need as you age.