Home / Conditions & Treatments / Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid)

Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid)

An older adult holding their knee or hand in discomfort, with visible swelling or joint stiffness; optionally an x-ray overlay showing joint damage or inflammation.

Arthritis refers to joint inflammation and includes common types like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis results from cartilage breakdown due to aging or wear-and-tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the joints. Both forms can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility if left untreated.

Symptoms
Treatments
Services
  • Joint pain and tenderness
  • Swelling and stiffness (especially in the morning)
  • Limited range of motion
  • Warmth or redness around joints
  • Fatigue (more common in rheumatoid arthritis)
    • Medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs for RA
    • Physical therapy: Improves strength and flexibility
    • Joint injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid for pain relief
    • Surgical options: Joint replacement in severe cases
    • Lifestyle changes: Weight management, anti-inflammatory diet, low-impact exercise
    • Osteoarthritis: Age, joint overuse, obesity, injury
    • Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune response, genetic factors
    • Other contributing factors: Family history, gender (more common in women), smoking

    Healthcare Providers

    Symptoms

  • Joint pain and tenderness
  • Swelling and stiffness (especially in the morning)
  • Limited range of motion
  • Warmth or redness around joints
  • Fatigue (more common in rheumatoid arthritis)

    • Causes

    • Osteoarthritis: Age, joint overuse, obesity, injury
    • Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune response, genetic factors
    • Other contributing factors: Family history, gender (more common in women), smoking

    Treatments

    • Medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs for RA
    • Physical therapy: Improves strength and flexibility
    • Joint injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid for pain relief
    • Surgical options: Joint replacement in severe cases
    • Lifestyle changes: Weight management, anti-inflammatory diet, low-impact exercise

    Specialties That Treat This Condition

    Orthopedic Surgery
    Orthopedic Surgery
    Pain Medicine
    Pain Medicine
    Physical Therapy
    Physical Therapy

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