Arthritis

Arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling that can make everyday movements harder than they need to be. It's one of the most common conditions affecting adults, but it doesn't have to slow you down. With the right diagnosis and care plan, most people can manage their symptoms and stay active.

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Medical illustration highlighting pain and inflammation in multiple joints throughout the body.

Anatomy of the joints

A joint is where two or more bones meet, allowing your body to bend, twist and move. Healthy joints are cushioned by cartilage, a smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones and lets them glide against each other without friction. Joints are also surrounded by a lining called the synovium, which produces fluid to keep the joint lubricated.

Arthritis develops when this cartilage breaks down or when the joint lining becomes inflamed. Without healthy cartilage to absorb shock, bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness and swelling. Because joints exist throughout the body, arthritis can affect the spine, hips, shoulders, hands, wrists, feet and ankles, sometimes in more than one area at a time.

Overview

Symptoms

Arthritis can feel different from person to person, but most people describe a deep, achy pain in the affected joint that gets worse with movement or after a long day. Some notice stiffness that's hardest to shake in the morning, while others feel a grinding or catching sensation when they bend a joint.

Common symptoms include:

Joint pain that worsens with activity
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a while
Swelling around the affected joint
Reduced range of motion
A grinding or clicking sensation when moving the joint
Warmth or tenderness near the joint

Symptoms often start mild and gradually become more noticeable over time. Some people experience good days and bad days, while others notice a steady decline in joint function if the condition isn't managed.

Causes

Arthritis isn't one single condition. There are different types of arthritis, but they all involve joint damage or inflammation that develops in different ways. The two most common are osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear over time, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks joint tissue. Common contributors across types include:

Normal wear and tear on joints over time
Previous joint injuries
An immune system response that causes inflammation in the joints
Genetic factors that affect joint health

For many people, arthritis results from a combination of these factors rather than a single cause.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing arthritis, though having one or more of these does not mean you'll experience the condition. Risk factors include:

Getting older
Family history of arthritis
Previous joint injury or surgery
Carrying excess weight, which adds stress to weight-bearing joints
Jobs or activities that involve repetitive joint movement
Certain autoimmune conditions

Talking with an orthopedic specialist about your personal risk factors can help guide prevention and early treatment strategies.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing arthritis typically starts with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history and any activities that seem to make your pain better or worse. Your orthopedic specialist will examine the affected joint, checking for swelling, tenderness and range of motion.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, can help show joint damage or changes in cartilage. In some cases, blood tests or joint fluid analysis may be used to identify the specific type of arthritis, especially if an autoimmune or inflammatory cause is suspected.

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Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.

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