Imagine moving through your day and encountering surges of pain and stiffness — sometimes at unpredictable moments. Going for a run, playing the piano, turning a wrench or getting up from the garden are all times when hobbies or work can turn into a frustrating experience.
“Unless you have arthritis, people might not understand the physical and emotional toll associated with daily pain,” said Chris Krouse, DO, orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon at Avera Orthopedics in Mitchell.
The first step to figuring out if your pain is related to arthritis is defining what it is.
Rheumatoid vs. Osteoarthritis: Is There a Difference?
Arthritis is inflammation in the body. There are different types of arthritis, but the most well-known are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that results in the immune system attacking the body’s joints and causing inflammation.
“Osteoarthritis is joint inflammation due to the wearing down of cartilage,” said Krouse. “The natural lubrication between joints reduces over time and can no longer provide cushioning for the bones.”
This breakdown comes from:
- Overuse – Repetitive movements grate away the protective cartilage, so bones start to rub against one another. “It wears out like the tread of a tire,” said Krouse.
- Underuse – A sedentary lifestyle weakens muscles around the joints, leading to weight gain and joint strain.
- Trauma – A musculoskeletal injury increases your chances of developing arthritis later.
- Genetics – A family history of arthritis, through genetics, can influence the development and duration of cartilage over time.
Get Treated for Osteoarthritis
Learn if your joint pain is related to arthritis.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Some of the early signs of arthritis include joint pain, swelling and diminished range of motion. When arthritis becomes more advanced, the symptoms include a progressive loss of cartilage between the joints, and you may not be able to bend over at the waist or fully bend other joints, like your knee, hip or fingers.
Can You Prevent or Slow the Progression of Arthritis?
It’s hard to say if you can prevent arthritis, but there are ways to slow down the rate of deterioration. Like many things, healthy lifestyle choices make a big difference. These include cross-training, eating a balanced diet and doing low-impact exercise.
Read more: How to slow down arthritis
How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?
Unlike screenings that “start” at certain ages — such as colonoscopies starting at age 45 — there’s no need to get screened for arthritis until there’s a concern.
An X-ray or MRI can detect arthritis. Your provider will order one based on your symptoms, including your level of inflammation.
For rheumatoid arthritis, detection also includes blood tests. The doctor is looking for certain antibodies such as anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor, which contribute to the body’s own joint erosion.
How Do You Treat Arthritis?
Rheumatologists treat rheumatoid arthritis while orthopedic specialists treat osteoarthritis.
Treatment depends on the severity of your arthritis as well as the avenues you’ve already tried. To start, your orthopedic specialist might implement nonsurgical treatment options, including:
- Physical therapy
- NSAIDS medications, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, Motrin, prescription nonsteroidal medications
- Injections medications, such as corticosteroid injections
- Orthobiologics, also known as platelet-rich plasma injections
- Supplements such as turmeric and fish oil
Read more: Nonsurgical Options for Joint Pain
If these options don’t provide relief, minimally invasive and tissue-friendly surgical options might be the next step to help repair the wear and tear of your joints. These include:
- Joint replacement surgery
- Arthroplasty that repairs the damaged joint
- Osteotomy surgery that cuts, realigns and adds bone tissue to affected area
Learn more about treatment options by talking with your provider or an orthopedic specialist.
