Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that wears down the cartilage between bones, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility over time.

It can result from normal wear and tear with age, but may also stem from joint injuries, repetitive motion or genetic factors.

Treatment often starts with physical therapy and can include medication and lifestyle changes as well. If symptoms become worse, surgical options like joint replacement may be recommended as a long-term solution.

The progression of osteoarthritis varies from person to person but is generally slow. Early diagnosis and intervention can help individuals manage their symptoms and decrease the speed of progression.

It is a chronic disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, particularly joints, causing pain, inflammation and joint damage.

The exact cause is unknown, it could be a combination of genetics and environmental factors, such as smoking, infections or hormone changes that trigger an autoimmune response. Sometimes other factors, such as diet or physical or emotional stress may contribute to it.

A combination of approaches is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, and may include medication, physical and occupational therapy, and sometimes surgery.

It differs from person to person. Some individuals may experience a slower onset while others have rapidly increasing symptoms. Being diagnosed and treated early can help to ease inflammation, prevent joint damage and manage progression.

A type of osteoarthritis that occurs months to years after a traumatic injury to a joint.

It’s caused by any type of injury to a joint (bone, cartilage or other structures) — most often due to trauma, such as an accident or fall. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, fluid in the joint, stiffness.

Treatment may include physical therapy, braces, medication and, in severe cases, surgery may be required, such as knee or hip replacement.

It is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, creating sudden swelling, pain and redness.

Gout is triggered by high levels of uric acid in the system, which comes from the kidneys. Individuals experience inflammation and pain when the uric acid crystals lodge themselves in one or more joints.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often used to reduce inflammation and pain. Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, weight management and medication to lower uric acid levels may help prevent future attacks.

This type of inflammatory arthritis often develops in people with psoriasis, which is a skin condition, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.

While the exact trigger is unknown, it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors triggering the immune system to attack healthy tissue, causing inflammation of the joints and skin. Infections, stress or physical trauma may potentially trigger it.

Progression varies greatly among individuals. It generally begins with mild symptoms of psoriasis to widespread and severe joint pain over time. While it is a progressive disease, early treatment can effectively manage symptoms, slow progression and prevent joint damage.

A combination of treatment is used, such as a variety of medications (NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antirheumatic drugs, biologics and JAK inhibitors) physical and occupational therapy, exercise, heat and cold therapy and, when joints are severely damaged, surgery may be required.

It is part of a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the spine and associated joints, causing pain and stiffness which may lead to spine surgery — and it can also affect other joints in the body, such as knees, hips and shoulders.

The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be associated with genetic and environmental factors. It is also considered an autoimmune disease, which means the body attacks itself mistakenly. In this case, it attacks the spine and surrounding joints. Infections and other risk factors, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and low Vitamin D levels, may trigger the autoimmune response.

Progression varies from person to person, but it is thought to progress slowly over time with symptoms gradually increasing. Others who experience faster progression may find their joints impacted sooner. Men tend to experience a faster progression and a worse prognosis than women.

An early diagnosis is key to preventing or slowing progression and protecting joints. Similar to psoriatic arthritis, treatment typically includes a variety of medications, including over the counter anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, biologics and JAK inhibitors, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.