How to Manage Your Arthritis and Joint Pain
By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., About.com Guide
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of joint. While there are many types of arthritis, all types cause joint inflammation. Common complaints of people with arthritis include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- What it Means to Have Arthritis
- Signs of Having Arthritis
- Causes of Arthritis
- Does Sports Activity Cause Arthritis
- Obesity & Arthritis
Types of Arthritis
Arthritis come in many different types, and can affect any joint. Determining the best treatment for your arthritis will depend on identifying the type of arthritis and determining which joints are affected.
- Types of Arthritis
- Wear-and-Tear Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
- Knee Arthritis
- Hip Arthritis
- Ankle Arthritis
Symptoms of Arthritis
Common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, swelling, and limited movement. The severity of symptoms of arthritis tends to correspond to the degree of inflammation of the joint.
- Symptoms of Arthritis
- Joint Popping/Cracking and Arthritis
- Joint Swelling
- Limited Joint Motion
- Bone Spurs
Arthritis Treatments
Once you have determined the type of arthritis, you can review potential treatments for your condition. Most often, doctors will recommend trying simpler treatments for arthritis first to determine if your condition can be managed with minimal intervention.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery is generally considered a last-step treatment for the most severe cases of joint arthritis. Joint replacement surgery uses artificial joints to take the place of your worn out joint.
- Preparing for Joint Replacement
- Can You Delay Joint Replacement?
- Too Young for Replacement?
- Too Old for Replacement?
- Knee Replacement
- Hip Replacement
- Shoulder Replacement
- Less-Invasive Surgery
- Coming Home After Joint Replacement
- How Long Will It Last?
Prevention of Arthritis
The best way to avoid problems associated with arthritis is to try to prevent progression of the condition. For people who have had arthritis in one joint, it is important to prevent the progression of arthritis in other joints.
