Arthritis
Arthritis is extremely common, especially in people older than 50. It causes joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. Your provider will help you understand which type of arthritis you have, what’s causing it and which treatments you’ll need. You may need a joint replacement if you have severe arthritis that you can’t manage with other treatments.
ypes of arthritis
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Some of the most common types include:
• Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear arthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Arthritis that happens when your immune system mistakenly damages your joints.
• Gout: Arthritis that causes sharp uric acid crystals to form in your joints.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: Arthritis that affects joints near your lower back.
• Psoriatic arthritis: Arthritis that affects people who have psoriasis.
• Juvenile arthritis: Arthritis in kids and teens younger than 16.
Depending on which type of arthritis you have, it can break down the natural tissue in your joint (degeneration) or cause inflammation (swelling). Some types cause inflammation that leads to degeneration.
How common is arthritis?
Arthritis is extremely common. Experts estimate that more than one-third of Americans have some degree of arthritis in their joints.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type. Studies have found that around half of all adults will develop osteoarthritis at some point.
What is the main cause of arthritis?
What causes arthritis varies depending on which type you have:
• Osteoarthritis happens naturally as you age a lifetime of using your joints can eventually wear down their cartilage cushioning.
• You may develop gout if you have too much uric acid in your blood (hyperuricemia).
• Your immune system can cause arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis) when it damages your joints by mistake.
• Certain viral infections (including COVID-19) can trigger viral arthritis.
• Sometimes, arthritis happens with no cause or trigger. Providers call this idiopathic arthritis.
What are the risk factors?
Anyone can develop arthritis, but some factors may make you more likely to, including:
• Tobacco use: Smoking and using other tobacco products increases your risk.
• Family history: People whose biological family members have arthritis are more likely to develop it.
• Activity level: You might be more likely to have arthritis if you aren’t physically active regularly.
• Other health conditions: Having autoimmune diseases, obesity or any condition that affects your joints increases the chances you’ll develop arthritis.
Some people have a higher arthritis risk, including:
• People older than 50.
• Females.
• Athletes, especially those who play contact sports.
• People who have physically demanding jobs or do work that puts a lot of stress on their joints (standing, crouching, being on your hands and knees for a long time, etc.).
At what age does arthritis usually start?
Arthritis can develop at any age. When it starts depends on which type you have and what’s causing it.
In general, osteoarthritis affects adults older than 50. Rheumatoid arthritis usually develops in adults age 30 to 60.
Other types that have a more direct cause usually start closer to that specific trigger. For example, people with post-traumatic arthritis don’t develop it until after their joints are injured, and gout doesn’t develop until after you’ve had high uric acid levels for at least several months.
Talk to a healthcare provider about your unique arthritis risk, and when you should start watching for signs or changes in your joints.