Arthritis Reference: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

1. Arthritis Reference
Understanding Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and
Treatment
Medically Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on June 07, 2021
IN THIS ARTICLE
Types of Arthritis
What Causes Arthritis?
Symptoms
How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?
How Is Arthritis Treated?
Arthritis Treatment: Occupational Therapy
Arthritis Treatment: Medicine
Arthritis Treatment: Surgery
Non-Medical Management of Arthritis Pain
Alternative Medicine for Arthritis
Home Remedies for Arthritis
Arthritis Outlook
Arthritis is a broad term that covers a group of over 100 diseases. The word "arthritis" means
"joint inflammation." Inflammation is one of your body's natural reactions to disease or injury. It
includes swelling, pain, and stiffness. Inflammation that lasts a very long time or comes back, as
in arthritis, can lead to tissue damage.
A joint is where two or more bones come together, such as the hip or knee.
The bones of your joints are covered with a smooth, spongy material called cartilage. It
cushions the bones and allows the joint to move without pain.
The joint is lined by the synovium. The synovium's lining produces a slippery fluid -- called
synovial fluid -- that nourishes the joint and helps limit friction within.
Outside it is a strong fibrous casing called the joint capsule. Strong bands of tissue, called
ligaments, connect the bones and help keep the joint stable. Muscles and tendons also support
your joints and allow you to move.
With arthritis, an area in or around a joint becomes inflamed, causing pain, stiffness, and
sometimes, difficulty moving. Some types of arthritis also affect other parts of the body, such as
the skin and internal organs.
About 1 in 5 adults has some form of arthritis. It can happen to anyone, but it becomes more
common as you age.
Types of Arthritis

2. Some of the more common types of arthritis are:
Osteoarthritis. This is the most common type. It causes the cartilage on the ends of your bones
to wear away. That makes the bones rub against each other. You might have pain in your
fingers, knees, or hips.
The cartilage breakdown, or degeneration, of osteoarthritis often happens with age. This is why
osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative joint disease. But if there are other causes, it
can begin much sooner. For example, an athletic injury like a torn anterior cruciate ligament
(ACL) or a fracture near a joint can lead to arthritis. It can happen in any joint but most often
affects the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip, and facet joints (in the spine).
SUGGESTED
Rheumatoid arthritis. This long-lasting disease can affect joints in any part of the body but most
often involves the hands, wrists, and knees. With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system -- the
body's defense system against disease -- mistakenly attacks the joints and causes the joint
lining to swell. The inflammation spreads to the nearby tissues and can damage cartilage and
bone. In more severe cases, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other areas of the body, such as the
skin, eyes, and nerves.
Gout. This is a painful condition that happens when the body can't get rid of a natural substance
called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause marked
inflammation with swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee, and wrist
joints.
What Causes Arthritis?
The cause of many types of arthritis is unknown. Researchers are looking into the role of
genetics (heredity) and lifestyle in the development of arthritis.
There are several things that may raise your risk for arthritis, including:
Age. Over time, your joints tend to get worn down. That's why the risk of developing arthritis,
especially osteoarthritis, goes up with age.
Sex. Most types of arthritis are more common among women, except for gout.
Genes. Certain types of arthritis run in families. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and
ankylosing spondylitis, for example, are linked to certain genes.
Excess weight. Being overweight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing wear
and tear and the risk of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis.
Injuries. They can cause joint damage that can bring on some types of the condition.

3. Infection. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can infect joints and trigger inflammation.
Work. Some jobs that use repetitive movements or heavy lifting can stress the joints or cause an
injury, which can lead to arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. For example, if you need to do a lot
of knee bends and squats at work, you might be more likely to get osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
Different types of arthritis have different symptoms that can vary in severity from person to
person. Osteoarthritis does not generally cause any symptoms outside the joint. Symptoms of
other types of arthritis may include fatigue, fever, a rash, and signs of joint inflammation,
including:
Pain
Swelling
Stiffness
Tenderness
Redness
Warmth
Joint deformity
SUGGESTED
How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of arthritis is the first step toward treatment. Your doctor will:
Consider your complete medical history. This will include a description of your symptoms.
Do a physical exam. Your doctor will check for swollen joints, tenderness, redness, warmth, or
loss of motion in the joints.
Use imaging tests like X-rays. These can often tell what kind of arthritis you have. X-rays are
used to diagnose osteoarthritis, often showing a loss of cartilage, bone spurs, and in severe
cases, bone rubbing against bone.
Test your joint fluid. Sometimes, joint aspiration (using a needle to draw a small sample of fluid
from the joint for testing) and blood tests are used to tell osteoarthritis from other types.
If your doctor suspects infectious arthritis as a complication of some other disease, testing a
sample of fluid from the affected joint will usually confirm the diagnosis and determine how it will
be treated.
Test your blood or urine. These tests can help tell your doctor what type of arthritis you have or
rule out other diseases as the cause of your symptoms.

4. Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis include one for antibodies called rheumatoid factors (RF),
which most people with rheumatoid arthritis have in their blood, though RF may also be present
in other disorders.
A newer test for rheumatoid arthritis that measures levels of antibodies in the blood (called the
anti-CCP test) is more specific and tends to be higher only in people who have or who are about
to get rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of anti-CCP antibodies can also be used to predict
which people will get more severe rheumatoid arthritis.
How Is Arthritis Treated?
The goal of treatment is to provide pain relief, increase joint mobility and strength, and control
the disease as much as possible. Your doctor has a number of options to help you manage
pain, prevent damage to the joint, and keep inflammation at bay.
Treatment of arthritis could include rest, occupational or physical therapy, hot or cold
compresses, joint protection, exercise, drugs, and sometimes surgery to correct joint damage.
Your treatment plan may involve more than one of these.
Treatments for osteoarthritis generally can help relieve pain and stiffness, but the disease may
continue to get worse. The same was true for rheumatoid arthritis in the past, but treatments are
now able to slow or stop the progression of arthritis damage.
SUGGESTED
Arthritis Treatment: Occupational Therapy
Protecting your joints is an important part of arthritis treatment. With the help of an occupational
therapist, you can learn easier ways to do your normal activities. An occupational therapist can
teach you how to:
Avoid positions that strain your joints
Use your strongest joints and muscles while sparing weaker ones
Provide braces or supports to protect certain joints
Use grab bars in the bath
Use modified doorknobs, canes, or walkers
Use devices to help you with tasks such as opening jars or pulling up socks and zippers
Arthritis Treatment: Medicine
Arthritis treatment will depend on the nature and seriousness of the underlying condition. The
main goals are to reduce inflammation and improve the function of affected joints before more
serious problems occur.
To reduce pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, your doctor will
probably prescribe acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
If you're making decisions about drugs for arthritis pain relief, you may want to ask your doctor:

5. Which pain medication is best for me right now?
Is it safe to take this drug every day?
How long will I need to take this medication? Is it a short-term or long-term treatment?
When can I expect to see improvement in my arthritis pain?
Will this pain medicine interact with other medications I'm taking?
What potential side effects should I know about with this drug?
What can I do to decrease the risk of side effects?
What should I do if I have flare-ups of pain while taking this medication?
Is there anything else I can do to relieve my pain?
In addition to painkillers, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid joint injections to ease the
pain and stiffness of affected joints. Results range from temporary to long-lasting relief.
Additional drugs that may help preserve joint function in people with rheumatoid arthritis include:
abatacept (Orencia)
adalimumab (Humira)
adalimumab-atto (Amjevita), a biosimilar to Humira
anakinra (Kineret)
azathioprine (Imuran)
certolizumab (Cimzia)
etanercept (Enbrel)
etanercept-szzs (Erelzi), a biosimilar to Enbrel
golimumab (Simponi, Simponi Aria)
hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
infliximab (Remicade)
infliximab-dyyb (Inflectra), a biosimilar to Remicade
leflunomide (Arava)
methotrexate
rituximab (Rituxan)
sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
tocilizumab (Actemra)
tofacitinib (Xeljanz)
In general, these medications work by suppressing the overactive immune system.
Treatment of infectious arthritis typically involves large intravenous doses of antibiotics, as well
as drainage of excess infected fluid from the joints.
SUGGESTED
Arthritis Treatment: Surgery
Various forms of surgery may be needed to reduce the discomfort of arthritis or to restore
mobility or joint function. Synovectomy is the removal of damaged connective tissue lining a
joint cavity.

6. If arthritic pain and inflammation become truly unbearable, or arthritic joints become so
damaged, the answer may lie in surgical replacement. Today, knee and hip joints can be
replaced with reliable artificial joints made of stainless steel, plastic, and ceramic materials.
Shoulder joints, as well as smaller joints in the elbows and fingers, can also be replaced.
Spinal surgery is sometimes performed for neck and lower spine arthritis. Although movement is
limited after such surgery, the operations relieve excruciating pain and help prevent further
damage to nerves or blood vessels.
Non-Medical Management of Arthritis Pain
Aside from medical treatments for arthritis, there are effective psychotherapeutic strategies to
manage arthritic pain. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that cognitive behavioral
therapy, using education and behavior modification alongside relaxation techniques, is better
than routine care for relieving pain associated with arthritis.
Such programs focus on improving patients' emotional and psychological well-being by teaching
them how to relax and conduct their daily activities at a realistic pace. Learning to overcome
mental stress and anxiety can be the key to coping with the physical limitations that may
accompany chronic rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Cognitive therapy may include various techniques for activity scheduling, imaging, relaxation,
distraction, and creative problem-solving.
Alternative Medicine for Arthritis
A variety of alternative therapies is used for arthritis. However, none of these has been
approved by the FDA for the treatment of arthritis, so they may not be effective or safe. It is
important to let your doctor know if you're considering these types of treatments.
While some studies suggest that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are as effective as
NSAIDs for reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness in osteoarthritis, recent large studies funded by
the NIH suggest these supplements are not very helpful, except perhaps in some cases. Typical
daily doses are 1,500 milligrams for glucosamine and 1,200 milligrams for chondroitin.
SUGGESTED
The antibiotic doxycycline may have some potential to delay the progression of osteoarthritis by
inhibiting enzymes that break down cartilage. More research is needed to confirm these results.
The NIH considers acupuncture an acceptable alternative treatment for osteoarthritis, especially
if it affects the knee. Studies have shown that acupuncture helps reduce pain, may significantly
lessen the need for painkillers, and can help increase range of motion in affected knee joints.
The supplement SAMe has been shown in some studies to be as effective for osteoarthritis pain
as NSAIDs.

7. Fish oil has been shown to reduce inflammation, lessen the need for painkillers, and possibly
decrease joint stiffness. A diet low in animal and dairy fats may have similar effects. Excellent
sources of fish oil include EPA/DHA capsules and oily fish such as salmon and mackerel.
At least a dozen herbs have been used to ease the symptoms of both osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis. Ask your doctor about using any herbs, since they can interact with each
other or with medication you are taking. Herbs that have been used are powdered ginger,
borage seed oil, and devil's claw to reduce pain and swelling. Stinging nettles and turmeric have
also been used.
Ayurvedic medicine uses herbal compounds internally and externally for arthritis symptom relief.
Topical curcumin may help relieve the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis; if taken in capsule
form, it can reduce morning stiffness and boost endurance. In one study, a combination of
Withania somnifera, Boswellia serrata, and Cucurma longa caused a significant drop in pain and
disability for people with osteoarthritis.
Home Remedies for Arthritis
In addition to treatments recommended by your doctor, you can use dry heat from a heating pad
or moist heat in the form of a hot bath or a hot-water bottle wrapped in a towel to help relieve
pain and stiffness. Heat and rest are very effective in the short run for most people with the
disease. Regular exercise is also important to keep the joints mobile.
If you are overweight, losing weight is key, especially when arthritis affects the lower back,
knees, and legs. Extra pounds add to the load and pressure on your joints, which can cause
your arthritis to get worse faster. Being overweight also raises your chances of related health
problems. Consult a registered dietitian who can help you plan a healthy weight loss program.
SUGGESTED
People with weakened, badly deformed fingers from rheumatoid arthritis benefit from specially
designed utensils and door and drawer handles; people with weakness in the legs and arms can
use special bathroom fixtures, especially tub rails and elevated toilet seats.
Although arthritis may not be preventable, disability is -- with a well-designed treatment
program, including medications, exercise, and physical therapy when needed.
Here are some more things you can do to help keep the condition in check:
Educate yourself. Take a self-management course to learn specifics on day-to-day arthritis care.
Get active. Exercise can help you move better, lessen pain, and put off disability.
Use joint-protecting devices and techniques at work. Proper lifting and posture can help protect
your muscles and joints.

8. Eat a healthy diet. A well-balanced, nutritious diet can help strengthen your bones and muscles.
Don't put off treatment. The sooner you're treated, the more likely you are to avoid permanent
joint damage.
Arthritis Outlook
With early diagnosis, most types of arthritis can be managed and the pain and disability
minimized. In addition, early diagnosis and treatment may be able to prevent tissue damage
caused by arthritis. Early, aggressive treatment is particularly important for rheumatoid arthritis
in order to help prevent further damage and disability down the road.
Show Sources
© 2021 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.View privacy policy and trust info
TOP PICKS
FURTHER READING
Slideshow: You and RA
What You Need to Know About RA
Osteoarthritis Quiz: Treatment Options
WebMD Presents: Arthritis - Therapy in Motion - Aquatics
WebMD Presents: Arthritis - Therapy in Motion - Strengthening
WebMD Presents: Arthritis - Therapy in Motion - Stretching
Alternative Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis
Arthritis Therapies Topics
TODAY ON WEBMD
Mature woman exercise at home
Easy Exercises for Joint Health
Hint: Warming up first is crucial.
feet with gout
What Triggers Gout?
Quiz yourself.
TOOLS & RESOURCES
RA Myths and Facts
10 Habits to Reduce Chronic Pain
Exercises for Healthy Joints
Signs of Lyme Disease
What Lupus Looks Like
Make Physical Therapy Work for You
Click to See More
SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE ARTHRITIS NEWSLETTER
Enter your email address

9. By clicking "Subscribe," I agree to the WebMD Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also
agree to receive emails from WebMD and I understand that I may opt out of WebMD
subscriptions at any time.
TODAY ON WEBMD
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
anklyosing spondylitis fused vertebrae
SLIDESHOW
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms,Treatments
feet with gout
QUIZ
How Much Do You Know About Gout?
knee xray
SLIDESHOW
Knee Replacement Guide
Lupus rash on nails
SLIDESHOW
Is Your Joint Pain Lupus?
woman roasting vegetables in oven
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Help RA
arthritis
ARTICLE
Common Types of Arthitis
Woman rubbing shoulder
SLIDESHOW
18 Tips for Healthier Joints
doctor and patient hand examination
VIDEO
Living With a Biologic
TODAY ON WEBMD
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
anklyosing spondylitis fused vertebrae
SLIDESHOW
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms,Treatments
feet with gout
QUIZ
How Much Do You Know About Gout?
knee xray
SLIDESHOW
Knee Replacement Guide
Lupus rash on nails
SLIDESHOW
Is Your Joint Pain Lupus?
woman roasting vegetables in oven

10. SLIDESHOW
Foods That Help RA
arthritis
ARTICLE
Common Types of Arthitis
Woman rubbing shoulder
SLIDESHOW
18 Tips for Healthier Joints
doctor and patient hand examination
VIDEO
Living With a Biologic
TODAY ON WEBMD
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
anklyosing spondylitis fused vertebrae
SLIDESHOW
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms,Treatments
feet with gout
QUIZ
How Much Do You Know About Gout?
knee xray
SLIDESHOW
Knee Replacement Guide
Lupus rash on nails
SLIDESHOW
Is Your Joint Pain Lupus?
woman roasting vegetables in oven
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Help RA
arthritis
ARTICLE
Common Types of Arthitis
Woman rubbing shoulder
SLIDESHOW
18 Tips for Healthier Joints
doctor and patient hand examination
VIDEO
Living With a Biologic
TODAY ON WEBMD
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
anklyosing spondylitis fused vertebrae
SLIDESHOW
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms,Treatments
feet with gout
QUIZ

11. How Much Do You Know About Gout?
knee xray
SLIDESHOW
Knee Replacement Guide
Lupus rash on nails
SLIDESHOW
Is Your Joint Pain Lupus?
woman roasting vegetables in oven
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Help RA
arthritis
ARTICLE
Common Types of Arthitis
Woman rubbing shoulder
SLIDESHOW
18 Tips for Healthier Joints
doctor and patient hand examination
VIDEO
Living With a Biologic
TODAY ON WEBMD
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
anklyosing spondylitis fused vertebrae
SLIDESHOW
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms,Treatments
feet with gout
QUIZ
How Much Do You Know About Gout?
knee xray
SLIDESHOW
Knee Replacement Guide
Lupus rash on nails
SLIDESHOW
Is Your Joint Pain Lupus?
woman roasting vegetables in oven
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Help RA
arthritis
ARTICLE
Common Types of Arthitis
Woman rubbing shoulder
SLIDESHOW
18 Tips for Healthier Joints
doctor and patient hand examination
VIDEO

12. Living With a Biologic
TODAY ON WEBMD
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
anklyosing spondylitis fused vertebrae
SLIDESHOW
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms,Treatments
feet with gout
QUIZ
How Much Do You Know About Gout?
knee xray
SLIDESHOW
Knee Replacement Guide
Lupus rash on nails
SLIDESHOW
Is Your Joint Pain Lupus?
woman roasting vegetables in oven
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Help RA
arthritis
ARTICLE
Common Types of Arthitis
Woman rubbing shoulder
SLIDESHOW
18 Tips for Healthier Joints
doctor and patient hand examination
VIDEO
Living With a Biologic
More from WebMD
Should You Avoid Alcohol With MS?
Signs of Central Precocious Puberty
Foods to Lower Cholesterol
Can Ixekizumab help?
Schizophrenia Caregivers Self-Care
Rheumatologist's VIew of RA
MDD: Tips to Boost Your Mood
Diabetes and Your Eyes
PsA Treatment Advancement
Ankylosing Spondylitis Excercises
Is It Possible to Prevent BPH?
Everyday Life With MG
AS: My Journey Toward a Diagnosis
MS and Your Mental Health
Exercises to Help With RA
Living With Liposarcoma

13. Logo for WebMD
FIND US ON:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Policies
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Editorial Policy
Advertising Policy
Correction Policy
Terms of Use
About
Contact Us
About WebMD
Careers
Newsletter
Corporate
WebMD Health Services
Site Map
Accessibility
WebMD Network
Medscape
Medscape Reference
MedicineNet
eMedicineHealth
RxList
OnHealth
WebMDRx
First Aid
WebMD Magazine
WebMD Health Record
Dictionary
Physician Directory
Our Apps
WebMD Mobile
WebMD App
Pregnancy
Baby
Allergy
Medscape
For Advertisers
Advertise with Us
Advertising Policy