Santa Rosa Orthopaedics | Understanding the Source of Your Joint Pain

Mild Pain | Understanding the Source of Your Joint Pain

Introduction

About one in three people in the United States suffer from some type of arthritis, the
No. 1 cause of disability in the U.S, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year hundreds of thousands of people work with a host of medical professionals to choose the best options for treating advanced arthritis. Each year these hundreds of thousands of people find ways to manage their disease.

Types of Arthritis

In all, there are 127 kinds of arthritis. The CDC estimates that of the 70 million people in the U.S. with arthritis, 8 million are disabled from the disease. The three most common types are:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is sometimes referred to as "degenerative" or "wear-and-tear" arthritis, osetoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering the bone ends gradually wears away. At its most advanced stage, the joint cartilage is completely eroded - down to the bone. Degeneration of joint cartilage and changes in underlying bone and supporting tissues lead to pain, stiffness, movement problems and activity limitations. All joints may be affected by osteoarthritis, but it is often more painful in weight-bearing joints -hip, knee, spine.

Image of osteoarthritis of the knee

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that affects people of all ages, including children. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system produces a chemical that attacks and destroys the lining of the joint, the cartilage and the joint surface itself. Consequently, swelling, pain, joint damage and loss of mobility occur - even if the joint isn't used. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the hand.

Image of a knee joint with rheumatoid arthritis

Trauma-related Arthritis

Trauma-related arthritis Occurs when the joint is injured -- for instance, in a fall or an auto accident.

Regardless of the type of arthritis, the disease can cause symptoms of joint pain, stiffness, limping, muscle weakness, limitation of motion and swelling. Pain is the main problem with advanced arthritis in any joint. Depending on the joint affected and the amount of damage, ordinary activities such as walking, putting on socks and shoes, getting in and out of cars, and climbing stairs may be difficult. As the condition worsens, symptoms worsen.

So where do you go from here? Read on. The accompanying articles are written to help people find answers to basic questions about advanced arthritis, including medications and procedures your doctor may recommend.