Talk To Your Doctor About Joint Pain
Because there are so many different types of arthritis each condition causing different symptoms and requiring different types of treatments its necessary to talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms associated with arthritis. Getting the appropriate treatment can help slow, delay, or prevent the progression of the disease.
Talk to your primary care physician if you experience pain, stiffness, swelling, or discomfort in or around your joints. Your doctor may refer you to a physician that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis.
Effects On Your Daily Life
- See a doctor or other relevant healthcare professional if youre unable to do everyday tasks due to joint or muscle pain.
- If youve lifted something heavy and hurt your back, for example, take some painkillers, apply some heat and try to stay active. If the pain doesnt ease after a couple of weeks or so, see a doctor.
Its important to see a doctor if you get any new symptoms or if you have any trouble with drugs youre taking.
If you have an appointment with a doctor, to help make sure you get the most out of it, you could take a list of questions with you and tick them off as they are discussed.
You could also keep a symptoms diary with details of how youre feeling in between appointments. Some people find that taking a friend or relative with them to an appointment can provide support and ensure that all important points are discussed.
What Are The Parts Of A Joint
Joints get cushioned and supported by soft tissues that prevent your bones from rubbing against each other. A connective tissue called articular cartilage plays a key role. It helps your joints move smoothly without friction or pain.
Some joints have a synovial membrane, a padded pocket of fluid that lubricates the joints. Many joints, such as your knees, get supported by tendons and ligaments. Tendons connect muscles to your bones, while ligaments connect bones to other bones.
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Gout And Calcium Crystal Diseases
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause painful swelling in joints. It typically affects the big toe, but it can also affect other joints in the body.
Joints affected by gout can become red and hot. The skin may also look shiny and can peel.
Its caused by having too much urate, otherwise known as uric acid, in the body. We all have a certain amount of urate in our body.
However, being overweight or eating and drinking too much of certain types of food and alcoholic drinks can cause some people to have more urate in their bodies. The genes you inherit can make you more likely to develop gout.
If it reaches a high level, urate can form into crystals that remain in and around the joint. They can be there for a while without causing any problems and even without the person realising they are there.
A knock to a part of the body or having a fever can lead to the crystals falling into the soft part of the joint. This will cause pain and swelling.
There are drugs that can reduce the amount of urate in the body and prevent gout attacks. Examples are allopurinol and . If youre having a gout attack, youll also need short-term pain relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as paracetamol can be good drugs to try first.
Men can get gout from their mid-20s, and in women its more common after the menopause. Taking water tablets can increase the risk of gout.
There are also conditions that cause calcium crystals to form in and around joints.
Types Of Arthritis That Affect The Knee
Osteoarthritis is characterized by cartilage degeneration and bony protrusions called osteophytes . In the knee, the most common sites of osteoarthritis include the tibia , femur , and patella .
The most common type of arthritis affecting the knee is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when a joints articular cartilage breaks down. In the knee, articular cartilage covers the top of the tibia , bottom of the femur , and back of the patella .
Not everyone with knee osteoarthritis will get knee pain. Pain may occur if the loss of healthy cartilage:
- Causes the bones of the joint to rub against one another.
- Compromises the joints biomechanics in some other way.
See Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Post-traumatic knee arthritisPost-traumatic arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis. It develops after a meniscus tear, ligament injury, or other trauma. The injury may heal but wear-and-tear on the articular cartilage can accelerate. Post-traumatic arthritis may not become symptomatic until years after the injury.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that targets the synovial membrane surrounding many joints of the body. Some of the most common areas affected include the wrists, knees, and ankles.
Knee pain can be caused by an autoimmune disease called rheumatoid arthritis . RA causes joint inflammation that can make the knee feel swollen, stiff, warm, and painful. Over time, untreated RA can cause permanent knee joint damage.
See What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis ?
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How Is Arthritis Treated
Theres no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments that can help you manage the condition. Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of the arthritis, its symptoms and your overall health.
Conservative treatments include:
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory and pain medications may help relieve your arthritis symptoms. Some medications, called biologics, target your immune systems inflammatory response. A healthcare provider may recommend biologics for your rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
- Physical therapy: Rehabilitation can help improve strength, range of motion and overall mobility. Therapists can teach you how to adjust your daily activities to lessen arthritic pain.
- Therapeutic injections: Cortisone shots may help temporarily relieve pain and inflammation in your joints. Arthritis in certain joints, such as your knee, may improve with a treatment called viscosupplementation. It injects lubricant to help joints move smoothly.
Arthritis Prevalence In The Us
Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are the most common cause of disability among U.S. adults and have been for the past 15 years.
- Nearly 50% of people may develop symptomatic knee OA by age 85 years.
- An estimated 52.5 million adults in the United States reported being told by a doctor that they have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.
- 26.0% of women and 19.1% men report doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
- An estimated 27 million adults had osteoarthritis in 2005.
- An estimated 5.0 million adults had fibromyalgia in 2005.
- An estimated 1.5 million adults had rheumatoid arthritis in 2007.
- In 2004, there were 454,652 total knee replacements performed, primarily for arthritis.
- An estimated 3.0 million adults had gout in 2005, and 6.1 million adults have ever had gout.
- An estimated 294,000 children under age 18 have some form of arthritis or rheumatic condition.
- In 2004, there were 232,857 total hip replacements, 41,934 shoulder, and 12,055 other joint replacements, primarily for arthritis.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Bring On The Following Symptoms:
- Joints that are swollen and tender
- Stiffness and swelling of joints in the morning that lasts for over half an hour
- Fatigue, or grievous tiredness
- An in a general feeling of being unwell.
Often, rheumatoid arthritis begins in the joints of the hands and feet, and it can bear on the same joints on both sides of the body.
It can start slowly and then gradually worsen, or it can begin aggressively.
Adults of any age can suffer rheumatoid arthritis. The disease the vast majority of usually impacts natives aged 40 to 60. Men are less doubtless to encounter this than women.
Doctors will consider thinking about the opportunity of utilizing newer biological therapies if these drugs do not work.
List Of Different Types Of Arthritis
Synopsis: General information and list of over 150 various types of arthritis, a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints in humans. The most 5 common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Children and teens get a type of arthritis called juvenile idiopathic arthritis . “Juvenile” means young and “idiopathic” means cause unknown.
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Arthritis Management In Grand Junction Co
Arthritis pain and stiffness can hinder you from performing your normal everyday activities and your profession. Although a cure for arthritis has yet to be discovered, many treatment options are available to manage its symptoms.
Our medical team here at WorkPartners Occupational Health in Grand Junction, Colorado, offers comprehensive diagnostic care and treatment for your arthritis. Our board-certified doctors and physical therapists are always ready to provide the best treatment for your joint problems.
If you have any questions about our medical services or would like to find out more, contact us today by calling our friendly staff at 241-5585. You may also fill out our online request form. Let us help your team get back to work and back to life in no time!
The Three Most Common Types Of Arthritis
Arthritis is the catch-all term for any disease that causes painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, each with their own causes, symptoms, and treatments. That said, most of the 40 million people in the United States who have arthritis end up with one of the three most common types. Below are the most common forms of arthritis, along with how they are treated. If you have one of these diseases, the most important thing to remember is that youre not alone.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when joints are overused and usually affects older people, but it can also affect people with joint injuries or weight problems. The joints that are the most susceptible to osteoporosis are the ones that bear weight, such as the knees, hips, feet, and spine. It is a loss of cartilage, which causes inflammation and makes movements painful. Treatment and pain management is completely possible and something we do daily at Carolina Arthritis Associations! Our prescription can include decreasing the work the affected joint must do, physical therapy and exercise movements, prescribed pain relief medication, dietary modifications, and heating and ice.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Categories
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Do All Types Of Arthritis Cause Joint Pain
It depends. Though all types of arthritis can cause joint pain and inflammation, its possible to have arthritis without any pain. This especially true if it is mild, or if your healthcare provider catches it early. In some cases, arthritis may start out as stiffness or achiness, rather than pain. As arthritis progresses, the more inflamed the joint, the greater the chance of having pain.
Ra Types: What Distinguishes Types Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The mystery that remains surrounding the direct cause of rheumatoid arthritis makes it difficult to fully categorize the disease. Different symptoms and progression rates turn up in different patients. Though it isnt totally clear what drives these differences, researchers do know that it largely depends on genetics.
Further and further, researchers are finding ways to classify the types and sub-types of rheumatoid arthritis by the actual symptoms patients experience, in addition to other factors. Because of the progressive nature of the disease as well as its tendency to evolve over time, it may be that patients are told they have multiple types or subtypes over the course of their lives.
Further research is being conducted into a deeper classification of rheumatoid arthritis into sub-types that each define unique sets of symptoms and progressions. This will help provide more personalized therapy and medical treatment options.
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The Different Types Of Arthritis
Arthritis is a term that describes a collection of conditions affecting the joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis with a wide range of symptoms and causes. Whatever type of arthritis you have, it means pain and discomfort, together with swollen joints.
Preventing and treating arthritis has become one of the largest health concerns seen by medical providers today, with treatments ranging from heating pads to medication to joint replacement. Millions of people are affected by arthritis, with the majority suffering from a few of the most common types.
What Are The Risk Factors For Arthritis
Some factors make you more likely to develop arthritis, including:
- Age: The risk of arthritis increases as you get older.
- Lifestyle: Smoking or a lack of exercise can increase your risk of arthritis.
- Sex: Most types of arthritis are more common in women.
- Weight: Obesity puts extra strain on your joints, which can lead to arthritis.
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There Are Different Types Of Arthritis
It is important not to mistake arthritis with osteoporosis. They are as follows:
- Arthritis: A general term for conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. Joints are places in the body where bones come together, such as the knees, wrists, fingers, toes, and hips. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoporosis: A condition in which the bones become less dense and more likely to fracture. In osteoporosis, there is a loss of bone tissue that leaves bones less dense and more likely to fracture. It can result in a loss of height, severe back pain, and change in posture. Osteoporosis can impair a persons ability to walk and can cause prolonged or permanent disability
What Can I Do To Make Living With Arthritis Easier
Changing your routine can make living with arthritis easier. Adjust your activities to lessen joint pain. It may help to work with an occupational therapist . An OT is a healthcare provider who specializes in managing physical challenges like arthritis.
An OT may recommend:
- Adaptive equipment, such as grips for opening jars.
- Techniques for doing hobbies, sports or other activities safely.
- Tips for reducing joint pain during arthritic flare-ups.
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Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Mixed connective tissue disease is an autoimmune disease with overlapping characteristics of three connective tissue diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. In addition to joint pain, symptoms include muscle pain or weakness, low-grade fever, fatigue, and Raynaud’s syndrome.
The cause of MCTD isn’t known, but there may be a genetic component. It’s much more prevalent in women than in men, especially young women.
This disease is very difficult to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with other diseases, and the symptoms don’t occur all at the same time. The distinguishing point with MCTD is the high concentrations of anti-U1 RNP in the blood.
Treatment involves managing symptoms with anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and other drugs as needed. Treatment is dependent on the severity of the symptoms.
Do Certain Types Of Weather Make Arthritis Worse
Some people find that arthritis feels worse during certain types of weather. Humidity and cold are two common triggers of joint pain.
There are a variety of reasons why this might happen. People tend to be less active in rainy seasons and the wintertime. The cold and damp can also stiffen joints and aggravate arthritis. Other theories suggest that barometric pressure, or the pressure of the air around us, may have some effect on arthritis.
If you find that certain types of weather make your arthritis worse, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to manage your symptoms. Dressing warmly, exercising inside or using heat therapy may help relieve your pain.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints. There are many types of arthritis, all of which can cause pain and reduce mobility. Some forms of arthritis result from natural wear and tear. Other types come from autoimmune diseases or inflammatory conditions. There are a variety of treatments for arthritis, ranging from physical or occupational therapy to joint surgery. Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and recommend the right treatment plan for your needs. Most people can successfully manage arthritis and still do the activities they care about.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/15/2021.
References
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Is It Possible To Prevent Arthritis
Yes. Arthritis can be prevented by following the preventive and safety measures along with the nutritious food. As we all know, there is no proper and permanent cure for arthritis. Therefore it is better to prevent arthritis before developing it. The preventive steps include:
Can Imaging Exams Detect Arthritis
Imaging exams can help your healthcare provider get a clear picture of your bones, joints and soft tissues. An X-ray, MRI or ultrasound can reveal:
- Bone fractures or dislocations that may be causing you joint pain.
- Cartilage breakdown around your joints.
- Muscle, ligament or tendon injuries near your joints.
- Soft tissue inflammation.
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Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a disease affecting the bones. Inflammation is normally one of the bodys protective responses to infection or injury, but in diseases such as CRMO, uncontrolled inflammation can cause damage. In CRMO, inflammation targets the bone and can occur throughout the body.
What Is A Joint And How Does It Work
A joint is where two or more bones meet, such as in the fingers, knees, and shoulders. Joints hold bones in place and allow them to move freely within limits.
Most of the joints in our body are surrounded by a strong capsule. The capsule is filled with a thick fluid that helps to lubricate the joint. These capsules hold our bones in place. They do this with the help of ligaments. These are a bit like very strong elastic bands.
The ends of the bones within a joint are lined with cartilage. This is a smooth but tough layer of tissue that allows bones to glide over one another as you move.
If we want to move a bone, our brain gives a signal to the muscle, which then pulls a tendon, and this is attached to the bone. Muscles therefore have an important role in supporting a joint.
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