Arthritis, the inflammation of one or more skeletal joints, is one of the most common medical problems that patients report to their doctors. Many like to think of arthritis as a condition that primarily affects the elderly. However, arthritis can affect individuals, young and old, as it can be secondary to various causes.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It involves wear and tear of cartilage in the joints, triggering inflammation that affects the entire joint capsule. Risk factors include, but are not limited to, work with repetitive motion of the joints, trauma, obesity, and increasing age. Patients with osteoarthritis experience joint pain and stiffness and, depending on the severity of the condition, are treated with pain medications, joint rest, physical therapy, and/or surgery.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, another major cause of arthritis along with osteoarthritis, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks certain joints. Joint pain and stiffness tend to occur symmetrically in the body. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis involves physical therapy and various medications, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological agents, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Gout and Pseudogout
Gout and pseudogout are conditions that involve crystal deposits in the joints. The crystals in gout are sodium urate resulting from elevated uric acid in the blood, whereas the crystals in pseudogout are calcium pyrophosphate stemming from overactive breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Medications to treat these conditions include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and colchicine. Gout may also require allopurinol or probenecid to limit the body's production of uric acid.
Infectious Arthritis
A less common but sometimes serious type of arthritis is infection of a joint. Infectious arthritis can be caused by bacteria such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Staphylococcus aureus or certain viruses. Treatment of the arthritis entails addressing the underlying infection. Surgery for infectious arthritis is reserved for significant joint destruction.
Final Words
The preceding information is meant to be an introductory overview of arthritis and is not a complete guide to this condition. As with all medical issues, concerns about one's own arthritis should be discussed with a medical professional.
References
- Arend, William P. and Lawry, George V. Chapter 277: Approach to the Patient With Rheumatic Disease. In: Goldman, Lee and Ausiello, Dennis, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, 2008.
- Cush, John J. and Lipsky, Peter E. Chapter 325: Approach to Articular and Musculoskeletal Disorders. In: Fauci, Anthony S., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008.
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