Health Information | Vitamin Maniac
Understanding Arthritis

By: Kristy Haugen

Many think of arthritis as merely ‘wear and tear’ on the joints. However, arthritis is a complex disease comprising a host of different (over 100) conditions affecting people at any stage of life. These conditions are grouped together as arthritis because all cause joint and musculoskeletal pain. It is estimated that 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. suffers from some form of arthritis.

A joint is where two bones meet. Joints in the body provide a broad range of motion. There are different types of joints such as the ball-and-socket (shoulders, hips), hinge (fingers, knees), saddle (connects the thumb to the hand), and pivot (wrist). Joint bones are covered with a smooth substance referred to as cartilage.

Cartilage allows the bones to glide smoothly within the joint. Cartilage is also a tough elastic material that absorbs the energy that is created with every step. This provides a cushion for the joint. Cartilage reduces friction and wear within the joint. However, when cartilage is destroyed as is the case with osteoarthritis, the joint bones begin to grind against each other. This creates pain, loss of mobility, deformity, and dysfunction of the joint.

Within the joint is a cavity that allows the bones space for movement. The space within the joint contains a capsule that protects the joint from dislocation. The inner lining of the capsule is referred to as the synovium. The synovium produces a thick lubricating fluid that nourishes the joint. Many forms of arthritis cause inflammation of the synovium. This leads to inflammation and thickening of the synovium. Increased production of fluid in the synovium also results. Inflammation and excess fluid can cause damage to cartilage and underlying bone in the joint.

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury. Many forms of arthritis are a result of inflammation since pain occurs as a result of inflammation. Distinct signs of inflammation include heat, pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness. Inflammation is usually temporary but can become a permanent disability in arthritic joints.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is commonly referred to as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD). Osteoarthritis is seen in the older adult (60 and over) or in young athletic adults that have suffered an injury. The joints affected by osteoarthritis are hips, hands, knees, spine, and feet. The disease process of osteoarthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage in the joint causing the bones of the joint to grind against each other.

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness in the joint after periods of inactivity such as sitting or sleeping. You may hear a crunching sound called crepitus this occurs when the bones rub against each other. You may notice swelling or tenderness in one or more joints. The most frequent symptom is intermittent or steady pain in a joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects different joints of the body as well as the heart, lungs, and blood. This form of arthritis is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the joint. The synovial capsule becomes inflamed. The capsule around the joint stretches in response and causes pain. Inflammation of the joint will eventually cause damage to the cartilage. Characteristic swelling occurs in response to excess synovial fluid production. The affected joint may also become malformed or distorted.

Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint stiffness, decreased joint mobility, warmth, redness, fatigue, joint tenderness, occasional fever, pain, and general malaise (not feeling well). Rheumatoid arthritis has a characteristic “symmetrical pattern” of inflammation in contrast to osteoarthritis. Both knees would be affected by this arthritis whereas osteoarthritis would affect only one knee. Rheumatoid arthritis is 2-3 times more common in women than in men. This arthritis affects people between the ages of 20 and 50.

Gout is another form of arthritis. Gout occurs when monosodium urate crystals are formed in the joint. Increased levels of uric acid in the blood can cause an accumulation of these crystals to be deposited in the joint. Gout commonly affects the ankles, elbows, wrists, hands, and more so the joint at the base of the big toe. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain in the affected joint. Gout affects men over the age of 40 and menopausal age women.

These are just a few types of arthritis. However, many more exist. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, visit with your doctor. Correct diagnosis of your arthritis should be established early. There are many forms of treatment available for arthritis from alternative to modern medicine. But most therapies work best when initiated early in the disease process. Pain may be a part of arthritis but it doesn’t have to be a part of your life!

References

1. The Arthritis Society, Types of Arthritis
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
3. Arthritis.com, Your Online Arthritis Resource

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