Arthritis is a term that many people associate with older adults experiencing pain in their joints. But did you know that arthritis, itself, is not a diagnosis, but a term that describes dozens of diseases and conditions? According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the word arthritis means joint inflammation, and may be used to describe any condition affecting the joints, for people of all ages. In fact, arthritis impacts one in five adults in the United States and is the leading cause of work disability.

To help you better understand arthritis, we’ve posed five questions below that explore common arthritic diseases, who is at risk and how to manage these conditions.    

How many types of arthritis are there?

There are more than 100 types of arthritic diseases, which can impact the joints, tendons, ligaments and bones by causing stiffness, swelling and pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the more common types of arthritis include the following:

• • Osteoarthritis. This kind of arthritis occurs when joints in the body break down. It’s most commonly experienced in the hands, hips, knees and back.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system causes deterioration by attacking its own tissues. It can damage the joints in the hands, wrists and knees. Potentially, it could also impact the lungs, heart and eyes.
  • Gout. This type of arthritis tends to impact only one joint at a time. During a flare-up, uric acid crystals form within a joint and cause pain, swelling and tenderness. Often, it impacts the big toe.
  • Fibromyalgia. By causing pain throughout the body, fibromyalgia can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and ability to work.
  • Juvenile arthritis. Also known as childhood arthritis, this condition impacts nearly 220,000 people younger than 18. It’s caused by an immune system that is overactive and results in swelling in the joints.

2. What are signs and symptoms to look for?

Because there are so many types of arthritis, and because symptoms may overlap with other conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. The Arthritis Foundation says that if you’re experiencing the following signs and symptoms you should consider talking to a doctor:

• • Tenderness, pain, swelling and/or stiffness in one joint or several joints
  • Redness on or around a joint
  • A joint that feels warm
  • Trouble moving a joint or engaging in your day-to-day activities
  • Any joint symptoms that concern you

3. Who gets arthritis?

Anyone can get arthritis, no matter their age, gender or cultural background. However, some groups of people face a higher risk than others for certain types of arthritis. For example, according to the CDC women face a higher risk for fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis while men are more likely to develop gout. Further, it’s not uncommon for people experiencing other chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease, to also have arthritis.

Other risk factors can include:

• Age, with the risk increasing as you get older
• Family history, with some types of arthritis have a hereditary connection, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis
• Weight, with people who are overweight or obese facing an increased risk for osteoarthritis impacting the knees and other joints
• Smoking
• Certain infections
• An injury to a joint
• Service in the military

4. Are there actions you can take to lower your risk for arthritis?

Possibly. While there is no magic pill that can protect you from arthritis, some people may be able to reduce their risks or at least delay the onset of certain types of arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. For example, maintaining a healthy weight may help lower your risk for osteoarthritis; quitting (or never starting) smoking may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis; and eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and alcohol as well as purines (that’s a chemical compound that turns into uric acid) may help decrease your risk for gout.

5. What can you do to manage your arthritis?

If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, there are a number of steps that you can take that may help to ease pain and decrease inflammation. Those include:

• • See your healthcare provider regularly and follow their advice. They know you best and can help you devise a plan to address your symptoms and help you continue to do the things you enjoy in life.
  • Move more. It may sound counterintuitive, but physical activity may actual help reduce pain and improve the way you feel and move, according to the CDC. Try out a variety of joint-friendly activities, such as cycling, swimming, walking and tai chi. If working out is new to you, talk to your doctor first. With their approval, start small, aiming for five to 10 minutes at a time, and work towards the goal of 150 minutes per week, along with two days of strength-building activities. 
  • Manage your weight. Weight can put additional stress on your joints. Aim to reach or maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. If you’re struggling, ask your doctor for advice.
  • Make healthy eating choices. Research shows that some foods can help control inflammation, while others may contribute to inflammation. People living with arthritis may benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet, which includes fish, nuts, beans, fruits and vegetables (the Mediterranean Diet is a good place to look for guidance, according to the Arthritis Foundation). At the same time, try to limit the foods you eat that cause inflammation, including processed foods like white bread and pastries, fried foods, soda and sugary beverages, red meat and processed meats, along with margarine, shortening and lard. 
  • Take care of your mental health. Any chronic condition can take a toll on how you’re feeling. And if the condition is limiting your usual activities, as arthritis may do, it can be especially stressful and isolating. If you’re feeling hopeless or anxious, or you’ve lost interest doing the things that once brought you joy, find help. Talk to your primary care provider or connect with a counselor or therapist. A support group might also be useful. The Arthritis Foundation is a good place to start if you think you might benefit from a virtual group.

As mentioned, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, ranging from common to rare. While we’ve touched on some of the more frequently asked questions, there’s still a lot to learn about these conditions. If you’re concerned about pain, swelling or tenderness you’re experiencing in your joints, talk to your healthcare provider today.