Arthritis Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that can be caused by aging, an immune disorder, injuries or genetic predisposition. The condition causes pain and stiffness, and symptoms may come and go, or they may get progressively worse.

Do you think arthritis could be the cause of your hip and/or knee pain? Join us for an upcoming Solving Hip and Knee Pain seminar and learn about treatment options.

Types of Arthritis

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common form. It often occurs from wear and tear on your joints as you age.

Other types of arthritis include:

• Gout, a buildup of uric acid that usually affects the feet
• Juvenile arthritis, joint inflammation that affects children
• Psoriatic arthritis, which can affect people with psoriasis (itchy, scaly skin)
• Rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs when the immune system attacks otherwise healthy joints

Arthritis Risk Factors

Arthritis is more common the older you get. Most types of arthritis are more common in women, but gout is more common in men. Genetics are also a factor for developing the disease.

Risk factors for arthritis that are preventable or can be changed include:

• Infections
• Joint injuries
• Jobs that require a lot of standing or lifting
• Obesity
• Smoking

How Arthritis Is Diagnosed

If you have pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints, it’s time to call one of our providers at Beaufort Memorial. After discussion of your medical history and a full physical exam, you will likely have X-rays of the affected joints. Your provider may also order blood tests.

Arthritis Treatment

The earlier arthritis is diagnosed, the sooner treatments and lifestyle changes can begin improving quality of life and long-term prognosis. Your doctor may encourage you to maintain a healthy weight to ease the pressure placed on your joints. Switching to low-impact exercises, such as swimming, can make a difference too. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen may offer relief. Rehabilitation and exercise can help you keep your joints moving smoothly and limit painful stiffness. Injectable medication can offer targeted and effective relief.  

In certain cases, surgery may be recommended to help relieve joint pain. At Beaufort Memorial, our orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive joint replacement procedures. For knee replacements, surgeons can use the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System. The system creates a 3D model of the knee, which allows for a joint replacement with greater precision that closely mirrors the original joint.

The orthopedic surgeons and therapists at Beaufort Memorial will be able to create the best course of treatment for a specific type of arthritis.