Arthritis & Osteoarthritis FAQs
How is arthritis treated?
The focus of arthritis treatment is to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain physical function and quality of life. In inflammatory types of arthritis, it is also important to control inflammation. According to the American College of Rheumatology, arthritis treatment can include medications, nondrug therapies such physical therapy or patient education, and... Read More »
What should I do if I think I have arthritis?
Visit your nearest OrthoNOW Center for an evaluation. Clinician will usually diagnose pain by using the patient’s medical history, physical examination and X-rays. It is possible to have more than one form of arthritis at the same time. There are many forms of arthritis and diagnosing the specific type you have can help your doctor... Read More »
Can I prevent arthritis?
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing some types of arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight decreases your risk of developing osteoarthritis and gout. Protecting your joints from injuries or overuse can reduce your risk of osteoarthritis.
Can children get arthritis?
Yes, children can get arthritis. The most common type of arthritis found in children is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), also known as childhood arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Like other types of arthritis, JIA can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints. Other symptoms may include fever, fatigue, rash, and loss of... Read More »
How many adults in the United States have arthritis?
Arthritis affects 54.4 million US adults, about 1 in 4. As our nation’s population ages, the prevalence is expected to increase.
Are people with arthritis more likely to develop complications from the flu?
People with some forms of inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, have weakened immune systems, which can make them more likely to develop complications from the flu. Some medications used to treat inflammatory arthritis can also weaken the immune system. Most people who get the flu do not need medical treatment and recover in... Read More »
Am I at risk for arthritis?
Certain factors make it more likely that you will develop arthritis. Some of these risk factors can be changed while others are not.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Different types of arthritis have different symptoms. Pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints are common symptoms for most types of arthritis. Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.
What causes arthritis?
Experts don’t know the cause of many forms of arthritis. Gout (caused by elevated uric acid levels) and specific infections are exceptions. Scientists are studying the role of factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment in various types of arthritis to learn more about arthritis risk factors and possible causes.
What are the most common types of arthritis?
The most common form of arthritis in the United States is osteoarthritis. Other types of arthritis include gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis