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Arthritis

Home > Illnesses and Disabilities Home > Types of Illnesses & Disabilities > Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term that refers to diseases that cause pain in the joints. Joints are places where bones meet, such as your elbow or knee. There are many types of arthritis. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is sometimes called "wear-and-tear" arthritis. It is the most common type of arthritis, and usually comes with age. Sometimes osteoarthritis results from an injury to a joint. In osteoarthritis, the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in the joint breaks down. When this happens, the bones grind against each other. This causes pain and swelling. It most often affects the fingers, knees, and hips.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's defense system, called the immune system, attacks the lining of the joints. Often these are joints in the hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis also may affect internal organs.

A common and painful type of arthritis is gout. It is caused by a build up of uric acid in the body. Deposits of uric acid in joints—often the big toe—cause extreme pain, swelling, and redness. Other joints may be affected as well.

If you have arthritis, your doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to reduce the pain and stiffness. Some people can also benefit from joint replacement surgery.

These steps also might help ease arthritis symptoms:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can strain your knees and hips.
• Be physically active. Moving all of your joints will help you. Your doctor or nurse can show you some gentle stretching exercises and how to move more easily. Going for a walk every day will help, too.
• Take a warm shower in the morning.
• Use an ice pack on sore areas.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Arthritis - This publication contains basic information on arthritis. It provides questions that might be considered by employers when determining accommodations for individuals with arthritis. This article discusses the issues that can affect these individuals, offers suggestions for employers and also includes example accommodations as well as a list of resources for further information.

   http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/arthritis.html

2.   Age Page: Arthritis Advice - This publication provides information on the different forms of arthritis, warning signs, treatments, the importance of exercise, and other lifestyle changes that can alleviate the pain of arthritis.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/arthritis.htm

3.   Arthritis - This web site provides general information about arthritis. It provides the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and information on research and treatments.

   http://nihseniorhealth.gov/arthritis/toc.html

4.   Do I Have Arthritis? - This booklet describes what arthritis is, the different types of arthritis, and what you can do to feel better.

   http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Arthritis/tengo_artritis.asp

5.   Handout on Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis - This package contains the following: fact sheet, glossary of technical terms, information for patients, and technical articles.

   http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/default.asp

6.   Help Your Arthritis Treatment Work - This easy-to-read pamphlet offers information on how to ease joint pain caused by arthritis and how to prevent damage to the joints. It also includes information on how to read the label of arthritis medicine.

   http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/arthritis.html

7.   Osteoporosis and Arthritis: Two Common but Different Conditions - Many people confuse osteoporosis with some types of arthritis. This fact sheet discusses the similarities and differences between osteoporosis and arthritis.

   http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/Conditions_Behaviors/osteo...

8. Exercise and Arthritis (Copyright © ACR) - This publication explains the importance of exercise for people with arthritis. It discusses the types of exercises that are safe and helpful and explains how to choose an appropriate exercise program.

   http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/exercise_new.asp

9. Osteoarthritis (Copyright © ACR) - This fact sheet provides general information on osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. It explains the causes, diagnosis, treatments and the role of a rheumatologist in treating this joint disease.

   http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/oa_new.asp?aud=prs

10. Psoriatic Arthritis (Copyright © ACR) - This fact sheet provides information on psoriatic arthritis, a chronic skin and nail disease associated with inflammatory arthritis. It explains the causes, diagnosis, treatments and the role of a rheumatologist to make the proper diagnosis of the disease.

    http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/psoriatic_new.asp

Organizations

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
2. Arthritis Foundation
3. Arthritis National Research Foundation
4. Arthritis Research Institute of America, The

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated May 15, 2008.