Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Treatment, Diet & Complete Patient Guide

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that cause joint pain, swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced joint movement.
It is not just a single disease—there are 100+ types of arthritis.

The most common areas affected are:

• Knees
• Hips
• Hands
• Fingers
• Spine
• Shoulders

Arthritis can be mild, moderate, or severe. In some people, symptoms progress slowly, while in others they can worsen quickly.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis begins with small signs, but most people ignore them until pain increases.
Here are the most common symptoms:

Joint pain

Persistent pain in knee, hip, finger, or shoulder joints.

Joint stiffness

Especially after waking up in the morning.

Joint swelling and warmth

Swollen, red, or warm joints indicate active inflammation.

Reduced joint mobility

Difficulty bending knees, opening jars, or walking.

Tenderness

Pain when touching or pressing the joint.

Fatigue and weakness

Especially common in rheumatoid arthritis.

Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is not one condition—it has several types. Here are the major ones:

Osteoarthritis (OA) — “Wear and Tear” Arthritis

• Most common type
• Happens due to degeneration of joint cartilage
• Common in older adults, obese individuals, or after joint injuries

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) — Autoimmune Arthritis

• The immune system attacks the joints
• Causes severe inflammation
• Can affect both sides of the body (symmetrical)

Gout Arthritis

• Caused by increased uric acid
• Sudden, severe joint pain—mostly in the big toe

Psoriatic Arthritis

• Occurs in people with psoriasis
• Causes joint swelling, skin patches, and nail changes

Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Affects the spine
• Causes back stiffness, especially in the morning

Juvenile Arthritis

Arthritis in children below 16 years

Causes and Risk Factors of Arthritis

Arthritis can happen due to multiple reasons. The exact cause depends on the type.

Physical Causes

• Joint degeneration
• Wear and tear
• Previous joint injury

Medical Causes

• Autoimmune disorders
• Family history of arthritis
• Inflammatory diseases

Lifestyle Causes

• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Poor diet
• Repetitive strain on joints

Age-Related Factors

• Cartilage wears down with age
• Muscle and bone strength decline

Even environmental conditions like cold weather and humidity can make symptoms worse.

Diagnosis of Arthritis

A doctor may use several tests to confirm the type of arthritis:

Physical Examination

Checking swelling, pain, stiffness, and movement.

Blood Tests

• Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
• ESR & CRP (inflammation markers)
• Uric acid (for gout)

Imaging Tests

• X-ray: Shows joint damage
• MRI: Shows soft tissues, cartilage, ligaments
• Ultrasound: Detects inflammation in early stage

Early diagnosis helps slow the progression of arthritis significantly.

Treatment Options for Arthritis

Arthritis cannot always be “cured,” but it can be controlled and managed very well.

✔ 1. Medications

• Pain relief medications
• NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Steroid injections
• DMARDs (for RA)
• Biologic therapy (in severe RA cases)

✔ 2. Physiotherapy

• Improves joint movement
• Reduces stiffness
• Strengthens muscles around joints

✔ 3. Lifestyle Modifications

• Weight loss reduces knee load
• Gentle movement and stretching
• Warm water bath
• Proper footwear

✔ 4. Surgical Treatment (for severe cases)

• Knee replacement
• Hip replacement
• Arthroscopy

Surgery is recommended only when pain becomes unmanageable and daily movement gets affected severely.

Arthritis Management: Complete Treatment Breakdown