While arthritis can develop as you age, it is not a normal part of aging. In this article, Ability Central will answer seven frequently asked questions about arthritis, including:

• What is arthritis?
• What causes arthritis?
• What is osteoarthritis?
• What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
• What are the other forms of arthritis? What are the risk factors for arthritis?
• What are the day-to-day challenges of living with arthritis?
• How does arthritis impact communication?
• Where can I get more information about arthritis? 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Characterized by the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints, arthritis often involves inflammation or degeneration (breakdown) of the joints. 

There are over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. 

What causes arthritis?

More research is needed to determine arthritis causes, although some types of arthritis come from things like severe infections or cartilage wear and tear. Researchers examine the role of factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment in different types of arthritis to learn more about possible causes and risk factors.

A few types of arthritis with known causes are:

• Osteoarthritis. Usually associated with old age, osteoarthritis occurs after longtime breakdown of cartilage and the other tissues that protect joints.
• Gout. A buildup of uric acid in the body causes gout, a type of arthritis that typically affects the big toe but can spread to other parts of the body. Uric acid, which takes the form of sharp crystals, causes severe pain when it builds up in and around joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself—your immune system mistakes healthy cells for dangerous invaders and tries to fight them off, causing inflammation, damage, and pain.  
• Viral arthritis. Complications from certain viruses, like the flu or COVID-19, can lead to arthritis symptoms in certain joints. 
• Septic arthritis. Severe infections—like staph, MRSA, streptococci, and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—can travel through the bloodstream and spread to the joints. 
• Another type of arthritis is called idiopathic arthritis. This kind of arthritis occurs with no known cause or trigger.

What is osteoarthritis?

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Cartilage, the soft tissue between the bones, breaks down with the wear and tear typically associated with aging or injury. This breakdown can lead to bone damage. 

While any joint can develop osteoarthritis, it most often affects the knees, hips, hands, spine, and big toes.

What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. It often affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. RA causes the lining of the joint to become inflamed, which damages the tissue.

RA can cause all the following:

• Long-lasting or chronic pain.
• Lack of balance.
• Deformity of the joints.
• Problems with internal organs like the lungs, heart, and eyes.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, although its symptoms can become dramatically worse for days or weeks during an RA “flare.” Daily symptoms and flare symptoms are typically managed with medication and dietary/lifestyle changes. 

For more information on rheumatoid arthritis, see How to Recognize the First Signs of Arthritis.

What are the other forms of arthritis?

Other common types of arthritis include:

• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the spine and the joints above the tailbone where the spine connects with the pelvis. 
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis in kids and teens. It typically causes joint pain and inflammation in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists. 
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis linked with psoriasis, a chronic skin and nail disease that causes red, scaly rashes and thick, pitted fingernails. This type of arthritis is similar to RA but tends to affect fewer joints than RA. 
• Reactive arthritis is joint pain and swelling triggered by an infection in another part of the body. It usually targets the knees, ankles, and feet. For most people, symptoms disappear within 12 months.

What are the risk factors for arthritis?

Arthritis risk factors include:

• Genetics. Some types of arthritis run in families.
• Age. The risk of many types of arthritis increases with age, especially after age 50.
• Sex. Women are more likely than men to develop RA, while men are more susceptible to gout.
• Injury. People who have injured a joint are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint.
• Weight. Because extra weight puts stress and pressure on the joints, people with obesity have a higher risk of developing arthritis.

What are the day-to-day challenges of living with arthritis?

Arthritis can make it difficult to maintain your day-to-day activities. Some people in careers that require a lot of physical activity find their jobs make their arthritis symptoms worse. 

While there is no cure for arthritis, treatment can help manage pain, slow the progression of the disease, and preserve joint function. The best treatment for arthritis is early detection and quick intervention. Many people with arthritis can manage their symptoms quite well for years with proper treatment.

How does arthritis affect communication? 

Among other joints, arthritis commonly affects small joints in the hands, wrists, and fingers. Pain, swelling, and inflammation can make it difficult to type, write, or use devices like phones and computers. 

Some forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, carry additional symptoms like fatigue or depression. These symptoms can be debilitating themselves, especially during an arthritis flare-up. 

Assistive devices can make communication easier for people with arthritis. To help support you, Ability Central offers a database of ideal mobile devices for people with arthritis. Whether you need a larger screen, voice-dictation ability, or hands-free options, there is sure to be a device that meets your needs.

Where can I get more information about arthritis?

Ability Central offers a series of articles to further your knowledge about arthritis. See:

• How to Recognize the First Signs of Arthritis
• What To Do First After an Arthritis Diagnosis
• Arthritis: Know Your Long-term Care Options