Arthritis is a general term used to describe inflammation in one or more joints in the body. When a joint is inflamed, the tissues surrounding the joint as well as the protective cartilage are damaged, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and limited mobility. This is one of the leading causes of a significant decline in the patient’s quality of life, causing difficulties in daily life as well as work and leisure activities.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related diseases, the most common of which are osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), fibromyalgia syndrome and gout.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of adults with arthritis say the condition limits their ability to participate in activities they enjoy or do everyday tasks, and about 25% report that their pain is severe, measuring 7 or more on a 10-point scale.
How Does Arthritis Cause Pain?
Each type of arthritis causes different types of pain, affects different parts of the body, and has its own treatments.
1. Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, occurring when the protective cartilage in the joints wears away over time. Cartilage acts as a cushion to help the ends of bones glide smoothly over each other. When the cartilage wears away, the ends of the bones rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation.
The symptoms of OA progress slowly but can be disabling if not well controlled. Treatment for OA includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, regular physical activity, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, especially the membranes that surround the joints. This leads to swelling, pain, and severe joint damage.
RA usually affects both sides of the body symmetrically and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and weight loss. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is a similar disease that occurs in young children, affecting their physical and mental development.
Treatment includes DMARDs, biologics, and other supportive methods to control inflammation and protect the joints.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Psoriatic arthritis is a combination of arthritis and psoriasis on the skin. Patients suffer from joint pain while also dealing with red, scaly patches of skin that cause itching and discomfort.
PsA not only affects large joints but also causes inflammation at the attachment points of tendons and ligaments, severely hindering mobility and daily activities. Treatment for PsA includes DMARDs, biologics, and skin treatments.
3. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder with a mechanism related to the central nervous system. The pain spreads throughout the body, accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.
This syndrome is characterized by an abnormally amplified pain sensation, making even light touches painful. Treatment requires a combination of medications (especially central nervous system drugs), exercise, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture.
5. Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a disorder of uric acid metabolism in the body. When uric acid accumulates in excess, it forms crystals in the joints, causing severe acute pain, often starting in the big toe.
Gout can be effectively controlled with anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and uric acid-lowering drugs. In addition, changing your diet, avoiding alcohol and foods rich in purines is key to preventing recurrence.
6. Lupus (SLE)
Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to many parts of the body such as joints, skin, kidneys, brain, and heart. People with lupus may experience persistent joint pain accompanied by fatigue, rashes, hair loss, and organ disorders.
Lupus treatment requires a combination of medications, from corticosteroids and NSAIDs to specialized DMARDs and biologics.
7. Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common forms of pain, and can be related to arthritis such as ankylosing spondylitis or simply due to mechanical trauma. Depending on the cause, treatments can vary, including pain medications, physical therapy, exercise, and medical intervention if necessary.
