Arthritis 101: Causes, Symptoms, and Cutting-Edge Treatments

The Abundance of Arthritis

Arthritis is a term that encompasses over 150 conditions characterized by inflammation and swelling of joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. As the leading cause of disability in the United States, arthritis affects the daily lives of more than 24 million Americans, most commonly in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. Despite its widespread prevalence, arthritis is a highly individualized condition, with cases influenced by genetic predisposition, injury, disease, or joint overuse. Understanding its various forms is essential for effective management and treatment.

Types of Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, particularly the synovial membrane. This results in swelling, pain, and decreased mobility. In RA, excess fluid damages bone and irritates nerve endings, often causing significant inflammation and potential bone erosion, especially in the knee joint.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative disorder, osteoarthritis develops over time through wear and tear, leading to the erosion of cartilage that protects the ends of bones. This loss exposes bones to direct friction, triggering osteophyte growth, joint inflammation, and pain. Risk factors include post-traumatic injuries, physically demanding occupations, and obesity. Osteoarthritis accounts for one-third of arthritis diagnoses.

Gout

Gout is a metabolic form of arthritis caused by the buildup of urate crystals within joints, often due to elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream. This condition leads to sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness, frequently affecting the big toe or other lower-extremity joints. Dietary choices, particularly those high in purines, can exacerbate gout symptoms.

Infectious Arthritis

Infectious arthritis arises from bacterial or fungal infections that spread to joints, causing swelling and pain. Though rare, it typically results from infections elsewhere in the body. Treatment often involves antifungal or antibacterial medications, and in severe cases, drainage of infected synovial fluid may be required.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Psoriatic arthritis is associated with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that accelerates skin cell production, causing scaly patches on the skin. PsA occurs when inflammation from psoriasis extends to nearby joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. The immune system’s response to psoriasis can further exacerbate joint inflammation.

Spondyloarthritis

Exclusive to the spine, spondyloarthritis targets entheses, the connective tissue that anchors ligaments and tendons to bones. Inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness, often leading to reduced spinal flexibility.

Treatment Options

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

DMARDs are biological agents that suppress the immune system, reducing its attack on healthy tissue. These medications are especially effective in managing RA and PsA by alleviating inflammation and joint pain.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroids reduce localized inflammation and pain. Often used to treat osteoarthritis, spondyloarthritis, gout, and PsA, these injections provide relief within 3–4 days and can last for several weeks. Typically, 2–3 rounds spaced two weeks apart are sufficient.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid, a natural component of joint fluid, can be injected to restore lubrication and cushioning in joints affected by osteoarthritis, RA, or spondyloarthritis. Before administering, excess joint fluid is often drained to maximize the injection's effectiveness.

Regenerative Therapy

Therapies like those by Regenexx utilize platelet concentrate from blood samples or undifferentiated cells from a patient’s bone marrow to regenerate damaged tissue in joints. This minimally invasive treatment is gaining traction, particularly for managing RA, as injected biologics promote the growth of new, healthy tissue around affected joints. Candidacy for these treatments depend on the severity of one's arthritis, with more severe cases posing a greater risk for adverse reactions.

Physical Therapy and Acupuncture

Physical therapy involves guided exercises to strengthen muscles and restore joint flexibility. Acupuncture uses targeted needle insertions to improve blood flow and alleviate discomfort, providing complementary relief for arthritis patients. Together, these can offer relief for patients interested in more holistic routes of achieving pain relief. 

Arthritic Surgery

For severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Joint fusion, often used for the spine or ankles, stabilizes affected areas, while joint replacement surgery replaces severely damaged joints to restore function and alleviate pain. Surgery is typically reserved as a last resort after conservative treatments have failed.

Getting Ahead of Arthritis

While arthritis is irreversible, proper treatment can significantly alleviate pain and inflammation, improving mobility and quality of life. Whether through medications, physical therapy, or advanced regenerative techniques, addressing arthritis early is critical to preventing further joint deterioration. It's important to connect with a qualified provider, such a pain management specialist, to discuss the intricacies of this diagnosis.

At Ospina Medical, our team of experienced professionals led by Dr. Matthew Kohler offers cutting-edge treatments tailored to your needs. From interventional procedures to regenerative therapies, we’re here to help you regain mobility and get started on your path towards a pain-free life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward managing your arthritis effectively!

Written By: Aaliyah Sherfuddin

Edited By: Camden Rowe

Medically Reviewed By: Matthew Kohler, MD