Arthritis

Our Approach

Millions of people live with pain, stiffness and immobility due to arthritis. Whether osteoarthritis affects a few of your joints, or rheumatoid arthritis impacts your entire body, Franciscan Health's rheumatologists can help. Our arthritis specialists find the cause, assess its effects on your lifestyle and offer solutions to support your comfort and well-being.

How is arthritis treated?

Arthritis treatment depends on the type and severity. Your doctor can choose from many available medications to ease pain or inflammation. These medications include over-the-counter (without a prescription) and prescription options such as:

• Acetaminophen to relieve pain
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain and swelling
• Creams to rub on the joints to relieve pain topically
• Steroids, taken either by mouth or injected, to reduce inflammation
• Narcotics such as oxycodone for severe pain

Home care measures can provide relief, including:

• Weight loss to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees
• Exercise to keep the joints nimble
• Hot and cold packs to relieve pain and swelling

Other treatments include physical and occupational therapy. Therapists can develop an exercise plan to help improve your strength and mobility. When these measures fail, you may need surgery. Doctors can replace the damaged joint with an artificial one or fuse the ends of two bones together.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that causes the joints to swell, making them painful, stiff and less able to move freely. In severe cases, the inflammation can be crippling and interfere with daily tasks, such as walking and getting dressed.

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability, and the risk for developing it increases with age. No one knows why it occurs, but researchers are studying genetic and lifestyle factors as potential causes.

What are the types of arthritis?

Over 100 conditions can cause joint inflammation. Some of the most common types of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

What causes arthritis?

Different types of arthritis have different causes. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition. It develops when your cartilage, the cushioning tissue between joints, breaks down. Cartilage damage usually occurs from normal wear and tear. Injuries can cause it to break down faster. Without cartilage, bone rubs against bone, causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint but most commonly affects the hands, hips and knees.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. It develops when your immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, called the synovial membrane. The swelling can lead to cartilage and bone damage. It most often affects the hands, wrists and knees.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

To diagnose arthritis, your rheumatologist will examine your joints for swelling and redness. Your doctor will also check your range of motion.

To confirm or rule out an arthritis diagnosis, your doctor may order X-rays, CT (computed tomography) or MRI scans. CT and MRI provide a better look at the cartilage and the bones it surrounds. Your doctor may also take fluid from the joint to test it for clues.

Arthritis symptoms

Some types of arthritis cause signs including fever and fatigue. Usually, though, symptoms involve the affected joints. Symptoms include:

• Decreased motion
• Pain or tenderness
• Redness
• Stiffness
• Swelling