Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. Inflammation can have various causes and most commonly manifests as pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. If left untreated, it can gradually damage the joint. Arthritis can be part of several diseases. One of the best-known types is rheumatoid arthritis, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues and causes inflammation.
Osteoarthritis, also known as arthrosis, is primarily associated with the gradual deterioration of joint structures, including cartilage. As a result, the joint may become more difficult to move over time and cause pain. Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, but its development or progression may also be linked to excess weight, previous injuries, or long-term strain on the joints.
Symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis
Although both arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause joint pain, their symptoms may differ in several important ways.
Arthritis may be accompanied by:
- joint pain and tenderness,
- swelling and warmth around the joint,
- pronounced morning stiffness that may last longer than 30 minutes,
- limited mobility,
- several joints being affected at the same time,
- symptoms that may ease after moving and warming up.
Typical symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- pain that worsens with activity or movement,
- joint stiffness, especially after a longer period of rest,
- a gradual reduction in mobility,
- cracking or catching sensations in the joint,
- the knees, hips, spine, or small joints of the hands being most commonly affected.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and they do not always make it possible to reliably determine the underlying problem. If pain, swelling, or stiffness persists or repeatedly returns, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
How are arthritis and osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Pain alone is not enough to establish the correct diagnosis. The doctor will ask about the nature and duration of the difficulties, the joints affected, and any other symptoms. The examination may also include blood tests or imaging such as an X-ray or ultrasound.
If an inflammatory rheumatic disease is suspected, the doctor may order blood tests to check inflammatory markers and, depending on the specific concern, particular antibodies. Imaging can help assess the condition of the joints and reveal signs of inflammation or damage. Based on the results, the doctor will determine the next steps and appropriate treatment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the specific condition and its cause. For arthritis, it focuses primarily on controlling inflammation and treating the underlying disease. For osteoarthritis, the main goals are to relieve pain, support joint mobility, and keep the joints in good condition for as long as possible. Regular appropriate exercise, physiotherapy, adjustments to everyday strain, and gradual weight loss for people who are overweight can all play an important role in treatment.
Conservative treatment
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – may help relieve pain and inflammation,
- physiotherapy and rehabilitation – help strengthen muscles and improve joint stability and mobility,
- orthopaedic aids – bandages, braces, or insoles may help reduce the load on the affected joint in some cases,
- nutritional supplements – glucosamine sulphate, chondroitin sulphate, MSM, or collagen may be used as part of complementary joint care. Their effects can vary between substances and patients, and they do not replace treatment recommended by a doctor,
- lifestyle changes – weight reduction, regular appropriate exercise, and a healthy lifestyle can be important for osteoarthritis.
Injection treatment
For certain conditions and depending on the patient's individual circumstances, a doctor may also consider injection treatment:
- corticosteroids – may help reduce significant inflammation and pain,
- hyaluronic acid – may help reduce pain and improve joint function in some patients,
- PRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma) – uses the patient's own blood plasma; its effectiveness may vary depending on the type of condition and the individual patient.
Surgical treatment
In advanced osteoarthritis, when conservative treatment does not provide adequate relief and joint damage significantly limits everyday life, surgery may be necessary. Depending on the specific problem, this may include:
- arthroscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that has a role in selected joint problems but is not a routine treatment for osteoarthritis itself,
- osteotomy – surgical realignment of a bone to change the load on the joint,
- total joint replacement – replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial implant.
When should you see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if joint pain persists or repeatedly returns, if swelling or warmth develops around the joint, if morning stiffness lasts longer, or if joint mobility gradually worsens. If several joints are painful or swollen at the same time, it is advisable not to delay the examination.
Rheumatology Clinic at Polyclinic Púpava
An early examination can help identify the cause of the problem and establish appropriate treatment.
