Understanding Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

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Understanding Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Arthritis affects millions worldwide, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Fortunately, with the right care, it can be managed.

With Altais, the path to arthritis care is straightforward. Our Coordinated Care Program guides you to the specialists and treatments you need with minimal effort and maximum benefit.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a musculoskeletal condition that involves inflammation of one or more joints. It often leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can make it hard to move or stay active. Types of arthritis include the following conditions:

Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions your joints breaks down over time, usually affecting people over 50.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks its own joints, leading to inflammation and pain.
Psoriatic arthritis is another autoimmune disorder affecting the large joints of the knees, shoulders, pelvis, and back that frequently affects people with psoriasis.
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and stiffness, often in the big toe.

These types of arthritis can affect joints in the knees, hands, fingers, elbows, back, and shoulders.

Common Causes of Arthritis

Arthritis can develop for several reasons, including the following:

Cartilage wear: Over time, the cartilage in your joints can break down, leading to osteoarthritis.
Autoimmune conditions: In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints.
Injury or overuse: Joint injuries or repetitive stress can increase the risk of arthritis.

Risk Factors and Who It Affects

Arthritis can affect anyone, but the following factors increase your risk:

Age: The risk of arthritis increases as you get older.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while men are more prone to gout.
Family history: If arthritis runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop it.
Lifestyle factors: Being overweight or having joint injuries can also increase your risk.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Arthritis symptoms might differ between sufferers. The most common symptoms include the following:

Joint pain: Persistent pain in the knees, hands, or other joints.
Stiffness: Difficulty moving your joints, especially in the morning.
Swelling: Inflammation around the joints, making them feel tender or warm.
Reduced mobility: Trouble performing everyday tasks like walking or gripping objects.

Over time, arthritis symptoms can intensify, making it harder to stay active and potentially accelerating decline.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that doesn’t resolve, it’s important to consult a musculoskeletal specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent further joint damage.

How Arthritis Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing arthritis involves a thorough evaluation, which includes the following:

Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and family history.
Physical exam: They’ll check for swelling, redness, and range of motion in your joints.
Tests: These may include bloodwork, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, or joint fluid analysis to confirm the diagnosis.

Arthritis Treatment Options at Altais

Altais connects you to a range of treatment options to help manage arthritis and improve your quality of life.

Anti-inflammatory and pain medications: Medications like acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: Our specialists create personalized exercise plans to improve joint function and mobility.
Lifestyle support: We provide guidance on weight management, ergonomic tools, and joint-friendly activities to support your overall health.
Advanced or surgical options: In severe cases, we offer access to specialists for joint replacement or other surgical procedures.

Managing Arthritis Long-Term

Living with arthritis requires ongoing care and management. We help you develop and sustain daily practices to protect your joints and manage symptoms.

Daily habits for joint health: Simple changes like using ergonomic tools, staying active, and eating a balanced diet can make a big difference.
Monitoring flare-ups: We help you track your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Disease progression: Regular check-ups ensure we catch any changes early and adjust your care plan accordingly.

Why Choose Altais for Arthritis Care?

At Altais, we believe in a human-centered approach to care. Whether you are struggling with arthritis symptoms or coping with other medical conditions, we offer the tools and resources you need to manage your health effectively.

Our coordinated care is supported by the following pillars:

Collaborative support: Our team of specialists works together to create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs.
Local experts: With access to top musculoskeletal specialists, you can trust you’re getting the best care close to home.
Simplified access: From diagnosis to treatment, we make the process easy, so you can focus on feeling better.

Arthritis doesn’t have to control your life. Through our Coordinated Care Program, you’ll have access to the specialists, treatments, and support you need to manage your condition and stay active.