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Joints are the area where two or more bones meet. Here, bone is surrounded by a type of connective tissue called articular cartilage, which helps to reduce the friction on the bone created by movement. A tissue called the synovial membrane, or synovium, lines the joint and seals it into a joint capsule. The synovial membrane secretes synovial fluid (a clear, sticky fluid) around the joint to lubricate it. The joint capsule is surrounded by ligaments and tendons (other types of connective tissue) that connect to muscle and control movement of the join.
Arthritis is a general term that refers to inflammation in joints. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis that can occur in men and women of all ages, affecting different parts of the joint. Some forms are the result of injury, disease or infection, and the inflammation goes away upon resolution of the underlying problem. However, in some injuries and diseases, the inflammation does not go away and the symptoms can worsen, indicative of chronic arthritis.
While joint inflammation is the cornerstone issue of arthritis, the causes and risk factors differ between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage surrounding the bone in the joints deteriorates over time, causing friction and irritation. Many factors can contribute to the onset and development of osteoarthritis, including:
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the synovial membrane. The exact cause of this autoimmune reaction is unknown; however it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetically, those with rheumatoid arthritis seem to be more susceptible to environmental influences rather than inherit the disease directly, but it can still be seen running in families. Environmental factors include triggers such as viral or bacterial infections that alter the immune system. Aging and cigarette smoking can also increase risk of contracting rheumatoid arthritis.
Signs and symptoms of arthritis may include:
In osteoarthritis, symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Cartilage can eventually wear down completely, leaving bone rubbing on bone, damaging them and increasing pain. Bone spurs, or small bony growths, can also form around the affected joint.
In rheumatoid arthritis, everyone can be affected differently, but symptoms usually begin to affect the small joints in the hands and feet.
As the disease progresses, larger joints like the knees, shoulders and elbows can also become involved. Symptoms often tend to alternate between periods of flare-ups when they worsen and remission when inflammation and pain disappear.
Another concern with rheumatoid arthritis is the presence of non-degrading fibrin deposits within the synovial membrane which may aggravate inflammation and work systemically to form nodules on joints and other parts of the body.6 Additional symptoms include fever, fatigue and weight loss.
Neither osteoarthritis nor rheumatoid arthritis can be completely cured. The goal of chronic arthritis conditions like these involves controlling pain and inflammation while reducing further joint damage. When symptoms worsen, damage, pain and stiffness can make it more difficult to go about daily activities. Disfigurement can occur with unattended arthritis symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis also occasionally affects the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood or nerves.
Arthritis treatment varies from person to person, depending on the cause, amount of damage to the joints, and how it affects daily activities. In the most severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary. In most other cases, treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation while preventing further damage.
Lifestyle adjustments are necessary for managing arthritis; routine aerobic exercise and plenty of rest can strengthen muscle and bones, relieve stiffness, and reduce pain and fatigue. Medications are also given as needed. These can include:
