Arthritis Specialist

What Is The Most Common Kind of Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. This kind of arthritis is caused by wear and tear, so it often does not appear until a person is in their 50s or beyond. However, overweight people of any age are also susceptible to this type of arthritis because extra pounds put additional stress on the joints. In some cases, a joint injury is a reason that osteoarthritis develops. Osteoarthritis is most common in the weight-bearing joints, including the hips, feet, and knees.

What Are The Symptoms of Arthritis?

A persistent ache or pain is one of the most common symptoms of arthritis. Many arthritis sufferers develop difficulty with simple daily tasks like getting dressed, brushing their hair, forming a firm grip with their hands, bending down, squatting down, or climbing the stairs. The symptoms can vary depending upon which of the joints are affected. Many arthritis sufferers also suffer from stiffness in the morning, especially when they have just woken up. Some people suffer from pain when they walk, especially if they have been resting for a long period prior to the walking. Arthritis patients may notice that their joints feel hot or warm when touched and that their joints are visibly swollen. Decreased range of motion is a very common symptom of arthritis, as well.

How Can Arthritis be Treated?

Arthritis may be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Some patients will get sufficient relief from either over the counter medication or from arthritis-specific prescription medications. Steroid medications may help arthritis patients as well. Lifestyle modifications like a healthy weight loss diet and regular exercise can also be very helpful. For people who have severe pain and serious joint damage related to arthritis, joint replacement surgery may be the best solution.