Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. The main characteristic is the loss of articular cartilage, which results in inflammation, bone/joint structural changes, bone spur formation, and joint disability. Osteoarthritis is often referred to as the “wear and tear” form of arthritis.

This condition is typically described as the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints that typically occurs from age, injury, or repetitive use of the affected joint(s). When worn down, cartilage can no longer act as a strong cushion and shock absorber for the joints, resulting in bone-on-bone friction and painful inflammation.

Typical symptoms include pain, muscle weakness, joint instability, brief morning stiffness, crepitus (i.e., noises like snaps and pops), and difficulty or inability to stay physically active.

Although aging is one of the most significant risk factors for osteoarthritis, obesity is also a major contributor to developing osteoarthritis. Obese patients have extra weight on their bodies that add to cartilage breakdown.

There is increasing evidence that different risk factors are associated with osteoarthritis, including:

• Obesity
• Genetic predispositions
• Sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., female gender, African-American race),
• Specific bone/joint shapes

There are also physical risk factors associated with increased osteoarthritis, including:

• Joint injury
• Participation in certain occupational activities (i.e., repetitive movements like bending or prolonged positions like sitting/driving)
• Participation in sports (i.e., contact sports)
• Thigh flexor muscle weakness and knee osteoarthritis
• Joint malalignment

Fortunately, physical therapy can disrupt this cycle by improving joint movement, muscle strength, balance, and coordination, reducing pain and inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most commonly experienced form of arthritis and develops as an autoimmune response. When someone has rheumatoid arthritis, their immune system sees the joints as a threat. Because of this perceived threat, the immune system attacks the joints, resulting in pain and inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes stiffness, edema, and pain in the joints. Untreated, it can cause irreversible joint injury and deformity.

While research is ongoing to understand rheumatoid arthritis better, many experts believe that your hormones, genes, smoking, and environment could all be contributing factors. According to researchers, rheumatoid arthritis affects more women than men and can cause pain while exercising or working.