Arthritis Basics

How Do I Know If I Have Arthritis?

Many people start to feel pain and stiffness in their bodies over time. Sometimes their hands or knees or hips get sore and are hard to move. They may have arthritis. Arthritis is an illness that can cause pain and swelling in your joints. Over time, the joint can become severely damaged. Joints are places where two bones meet, such as your elbow or knee. Some kinds of arthritis can cause problems in other organs, such as your eyes, or in your chest. It can affect your skin, too.

These problems may be caused by inflammation, a swelling that can include pain or redness. This is an indication that something is wrong.

Some people may worry that arthritis means they won't be able to work or take care of their children and their family. Others think that you just have to accept things like arthritis. It's true that arthritis can be painful. But there are things you can do to feel better.

Types of Arthritis

There are several kinds of arthritis. The two most common ones are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This is the form that usually comes with age and most often affects the fingers, knees, and hips. Sometimes osteoarthritis follows an injury to a joint. For example, you might have hurt your knee playing sports as a child. Many years after your knee has seemingly healed, you might get arthritis in your knee joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis happens when the body's own defense system doesn't work properly. It affects joints, bones, and organs, commonly the hands and feet. You may feel sick or tired, and you may have a fever.

Other conditions can also cause arthritis, including:

Gout--Crystals build up in the joints; usually affects the big toe.

Lupus--The body's defense system can harm the joints, heart, skin, kidneys, and other organs.

Viral hepatitis--An infection of the liver can cause arthritis.

What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

Pain is the way your body tells you that something is wrong. Most kinds of arthritis cause pain in your joints. You might have trouble moving around. Some kinds of arthritis can affect different parts of your body, so, in addition, you may:

Have a fever.

Lose weight.

Have trouble breathing.

Get a rash or itch.

However, these symptoms may also be signs of other illnesses.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have Arthritis?

If you are experiencing joint pain and the symptoms previously described, visit a doctor. Many people use herbs or medicines that you can buy without a prescription for pain. You should tell your doctor if you use them. Only a doctor can determine if you have arthritis or a related condition and what to do about it. Do not delay in seeing a doctor.

You'll need to tell the doctor how you feel and where you hurt. The doctor will examine you and may take x-rays of your bones or joints. The x-rays are painless and aren't dangerous. You may also have to give a small amount of blood for tests that will help the doctor decide if you have arthritis and what kind you have. After the doctor knows what kind of arthritis you have, he or she will talk with you about the best way to treat it. The doctor may give you a prescription for medicine that will help with the pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Health insurance or public assistance may help you pay for the medicine, doctor visits, tests, and x-rays.

How Do I Use Arthritis Medicines?

Before you leave the doctor's office, make sure you ask about the best way to take the medicine he or she prescribes. For example, you may need to take some medicines with milk, or you may need to eat something just before or after taking them, to make sure they don't upset your stomach.

You should also ask how often to take the medicine or to put cream on the spots that bother you. Creams might make your skin and joints feel better. Sometimes, though, they can make your skin burn or break out in a rash. If this happens, call the doctor.

What Should I Do If the Pain Doesn’t Stop?

Even after taking your medicine, you might still have pain. If so, try these to help relieve the pain:

Take a warm shower.

Do some gentle stretching exercises.

Use an ice pack on the sore area.

Rest the sore joint.

If you still are in pain after trying one or more of these tactics, and you are using your medicine correctly, call your doctor. He or she may prescribe another kind of medicine that might work better for you. Some people can also benefit from surgery, such as joint replacement.

Living with Arthritis

Arthritis can damage your joints, organs, and skin, but there are things you can do to keep the damage from getting worse. They might also make you feel better.

Try to keep your weight down. Too much weight can make your knees and hips hurt.

Exercise. Moving all of your joints will help you. The doctor or nurse can show you how to move more easily. Going for a walk every day will help, too.

Take your medicines when and how you are supposed to. They can help reduce pain and stiffness.

Take a warm shower in the morning.

See your doctor regularly.

Seek information that can help you.

Changes in the home may help a person with chronic arthritis continue to live safely, productively, and with less pain. You may become weak, lose your balance, or fall. In the bathroom, installing grab bars in the tub or shower and by the toilet, placing a secure seat in the tub, and raising the height of the toilet seat can help. Special kitchen utensils can accommodate hands affected by arthritis to make meal preparation easier. An occupational therapist can help if you have rheumatic conditions to identify and make adjustments in your home to create a safer, and more comfortable and efficient environment.

Friends and family members can help by learning about that condition and understanding how it affects your life. Friends and family can provide emotional and physical assistance. Their support, as well as support from others who have the same disease, can make it easier to cope.

Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)