The main types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis do damage the joints in different ways. This damage is what causes arthritis and the pain that comes with it.
 
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the lining of the joint capsules. This is a membrane that encloses the joint known as the synovial membrane. This lining becomes inflamed and swollen. As the disease progresses it can destroy the cartilage and the bone within the joint.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This is caused by the wear-and-tear that happens to the cartilage in the joints. Cartilage cushions the ends of the bones in the joints and allows for frictionless motion. When damage occurs, the damaged cartilage allows the bones to rub together in the joints causing pain. It also can cause limited movement. This breakdown can happen over many years or it can happen more quickly because of injury to the joint or can be caused by infection. Osteoarthritis also creates changes in the bones and deterioration of the tissues that connect the muscle to and hold the joints together. When cartilage in the joint is severely damaged, the lining may become swollen and inflamed.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually starts in the small joints of the feet and hands. It may affect the same joints on both sides of the body, simultaneously. Sometimes it can start very slowly and gradually get worse. It may also start quickly and aggressively. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect someone at any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 40 to 60. Rheumatoid arthritis is less common in men than in women.
 
Osteoarthritis tends to start to affect people after the age of 45. It must be noted that the early stages of osteoarthritis can go unnoticed since there may be little pain or trouble. The parts of the body that are usually impacted by osteoarthritis are the hands, hips, knees, and back. Staying active and maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the pressure on your joints and can reduce the pain that comes with osteoarthritis.

There is no cure for arthritis. Most treatments for arthritis are focused on early recognition and prevention. Genetics seem to play a part in the likelihood of getting arthritis. It seems that women are also more likely to get arthritis than men.
 
There are a few things that you can do to slow the progression of arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight seems to be the best place to start. If you smoke, it is probably a good idea to quit. Try avoiding injuries while engaging in athletic activities. If your job is quite physical, take precautions to prevent injuries. If you have a job that requires a lot of typing, keep good posture, a good keyboard, wrist cushion, or pad.
 
If arthritis has already started it is a good idea to see a doctor and see what help you can get to slow the progression and ease the pain. The longer you wait to get treatment the more damage can happen. There are a few things that a doctor can do, there are medications that can reduce inflammation and pain. You may require medication that suppress the immune system. Physical therapy may have a slowing benefit. In the worst case, you may require surgery to repair or replace joints that have become damaged.

There are a number of pains that are associated with arthritis. Often it can come as a dull pain in the joints or a burning sensation. You may not notice this pain early in the day if you have not been very active. It will more often present itself when you have been active or as the day has progressed. You may notice a stiffness or soreness in the joints, making it more difficult to move.
 
You don’t need to suffer from arthritis. The doctors at Max Center for Health can help you get out of pain. Our clinic is located at 240 N Liberty St Suite R Powell OH 43065. For more information, please call us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Powell OH, Dublin OH, Worthington OH, Westerville OH, Hilliard OH, and Delaware OH.