Arthritis is a group of conditions that affect your joints, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. It can develop in any of your 30 joints throughout the body and can affect anyone of any age or gender.

In this article, we will look at the causes and effects of arthritis on your joints and how you can manage the symptoms.

What Causes Arthritis?

Arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, such as age, family history, injury, and infections. Here are the most common types of arthritis and their causes:.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in your joints. Cartilage is a rubbery material that cushions the ends of your bones and allows them to move smoothly.

As you age, the cartilage can wear away, resulting in bones rubbing against each other. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your immune system attacks your body’s tissues.

In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks the lining of your joints, causing inflammation and damage to the cartilage and bone. Over time, this can lead to joint deformity, severe pain, and disability.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that develops in people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on your skin. This type of arthritis affects the joints as well as the skin, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an overactive immune system.

Effects of Arthritis on Your Joints

Arthritis can have a significant impact on your joints and your overall quality of life. Here are some of the effects of arthritis on your joints:.

Pain

Pain is the most common symptom of arthritis, and it can range from mild to severe. You may experience pain in your joints, muscles, and bones, and the pain may be constant or intermittent.

Stiffness

Another common symptom of arthritis is stiffness in your joints. You may find that your joints are stiff when you wake up in the morning or after sitting for prolonged periods. This can make it difficult to move or perform daily activities.

Swelling

Inflammation is a hallmark of arthritis, and it can cause swelling in your joints. This can make your joints appear larger than normal, and it can cause pain and stiffness.

Weakness

Arthritis can weaken your joints, leading to a decreased range of motion and difficulty moving. This can make it challenging to perform everyday tasks, such as dressing or cooking.

Deformity

If left untreated, arthritis can cause joint deformity over time. This can be particularly true of rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause bone erosion and joint destruction.

Managing Arthritis Symptoms

While there is no cure for arthritis, there are several ways to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Here are some tips for managing arthritis:.

Exercise

Regular exercise can help reduce pain and stiffness in your joints. Low impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling are ideal for people with arthritis as they put less stress on your joints.

Weight Management

Being overweight can put additional stress on your joints, worsening arthritis symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Medication

There are several medications available to help manage arthritis symptoms, such as painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Consult with your doctor to determine which medication is right for you.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy can teach you how to perform everyday tasks in a way that reduces stress on your joints. An occupational therapist can also recommend assistive devices, such as braces, to help support your joints.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a complex group of conditions that can have a significant impact on your joints and your overall quality of life. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are several ways to manage the symptoms and improve your mobility.

Speak to your doctor to discuss treatment options that are right for you.