Arthritis Symptoms & Treatment Options

Arthritis is an all-encompassing term that refers to a range of joint disorders characterized by inflammation around the joints, tissue surrounding the joint and other connective tissues. Affecting tens of millions of people in the U.S., arthritis is a major cause of disability, particularly among the older population. 

However, it’s important to note that arthritis can affect people at any age or stage of their lives. With symptoms ranging from mild joint stiffness to severely limited mobility, this sometimes debilitating condition can have a significant impact on your quality of life. 

If you’re suffering from the symptoms of arthritis, our board-certified physicians are here to accurately diagnose and treat your condition to help you achieve the best possible results. Contact Houston Methodist today to schedule an appointment or learn more. 

Types and Causes of Arthritis

There are many different types of arthritis, each with unique causes, characteristics and presentations. The most common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Autoimmune-Related Arthritis

• Ankylosing spondylitis: Primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing chronic inflammation. Over time, this can lead to the fusion of vertebrae, resulting in severe stiffness, reduced mobility and persistent pain in the back and neck.

• Psoriatic arthritis: Often begins with psoriasis, though not always. Presents as red, scaly skin patches followed by joint inflammation, commonly affecting the fingers, toes and lower back.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Causes chronic inflammation of the joints, particularly in the hands, wrists and knees, leading to pain, swelling and progressive joint damage.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of autoimmune-related arthritis, it’s recommended that you seek expert medical advice from a board-certified rheumatologist. Contact Houston Methodist today to schedule an appointment. 

Degenerative Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis: With more than 32-million Americans suffering from the disease, this is the most common type of arthritis. It’s mostly related to aging or injury, where your cartilage wears down over time.

• Post-traumatic arthritis: Can develop after an injury to a joint. This can include fractures (bone breaks) and dislocations, even years after the incident occurred.

Other Types of Arthritis

There are more than 100 types of arthritis that can affect all parts of the body. In addition to those mentioned above, a few other kinds of arthritis include:

• Gout: A rheumatic disease caused by uric acid crystals deposited in the joint. Can result in severe pain and swelling, often starting in the big toe.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis in children. It can cause pain, swelling and stiffness.
• Septic arthritis: Joint infections that cause cartilage to deteriorate rapidly and lead to joint damage.

Arthritis Treatment Options

Arthritis is a chronic disease that presents differently depending on the kind of arthritis, disease progression and personal factors. As such, the arthritis and rheumatology specialist at Houston Methodist may recommend a range of treatments to alleviate your symptoms and improve overall joint function.

Those treatment options include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Alternative therapies: Acupuncture and massage may offer pain relief and improve mobility for some patients, but effectiveness can vary. 
• Changes to your lifestyle: Your physician may recommend changing your diet or exercise routine to help manage your symptoms.
• Corticosteroids: Can be particularly helpful in managing rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. 
• Drug therapy: Includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen (like ibuprofen), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics targeting specific parts of the immune system.
• Joint injections: Cortisone shots (also known as steroid injections), epidural steroid injections (steroids plus numbing medications) and radiofrequency ablation are all used to treat arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain.
• Occupational therapy: Helps patients adjust their daily activities to reduce the strain on affected joints.
• Physical therapy: Can help you maintain or even regain joint function and your range of motion through therapeutic exercises. 
• Surgical options: Common surgeries for arthritis can include joint replacement or synovectomy. Both options may be considered when other treatments do not alleviate symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, some of the most common indicators of arthritis include:

• Joint pain: Often the first symptom, varying from mild to severe
• Redness: The skin around the joint may look red and feel warm to the touch
• Reduced range of motion: Difficulty in moving the joint as usual
• Stiffness: Especially pronounced after periods of inactivity or in the morning
• Swelling: Fluid accumulation in the joint causes visible puffiness

Risk factors for arthritis can vary depending on the type. For some variants, it’s a matter of family history. For others, it’s caused by repetitive actions, age, obesity, injury or other factors. 

Diagnosing Arthritis

At Houston Methodist, we use the latest diagnostic techniques to identify your condition and create a treatment plan that works for you. Generally, diagnosing arthritis involves a combination of clinical assessment and diagnostic tools:

• Blood tests: Useful in diagnosing types of inflammatory arthritis and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment
• Imaging studies: X-rays or MRIs help visualize joint damage and rule out other conditions
• Physical exam: Assessing the affected joints for swelling, warmth and range of motion

Managing Arthritis in Professional Athletes and Performers

From high school athletes to professional athletes to performers, the physicians at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offer treatment plans for everyone who pushes their body to the limit. Our diagnostic and treatment options are comprehensive and individualized, with the goal of helping athletes and entertainers regain and maintain high performance levels. Contact our sports medicine arthritis specialists to learn more or schedule an appointment. 

Improving Your Quality of Life With Arthritis

Arthritis can be debilitating, painful and have a significant impact on your quality of life. 

Arthritis can restrict your movement and cause ongoing pain, making daily life challenging.

At Houston Methodist, we focus on improving joint function and relieving pain with care tailored to your needs. Our approach helps patients with arthritis maintain active, fulfilling lives. Contact us to schedule an appointment.