FAQs

Q: How do I know if I have arthritis?

A: There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and symptoms very widely between them. Most forms of arthritis exhibit joint pain, stiffness, redness and swelling. If you are concerned that you may have arthritis, discuss your symptoms with your primary health-care practitioner. Early diagnosis and appropriate management strategies are vitally important when dealing with arthritis.

Q: What are common signs of degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis)?

A: Osteoarthritis most commonly occurs in the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees and lower back. It also affects the neck, small finger joints, the base of the thumb and the big toe. Osteoarthritis rarely affects other joints except when injury or stress is involved.  The most common signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis are:

• Joint soreness after periods of overuse or inactivity.
• Stiffness after periods of rest that goes away quickly when activity resumes.
• Morning stiffness, which usually  lasts no more than 30 minutes.
• Pain caused by the weakening of muscles surrounding the joint due to inactivity.
• Joint pain is usually less in the morning and worse in the evening after a day’s activity.
• Deterioration of coordination, posture and walking due to pain and stiffness.

If you are experiencing a one or more of these signs, see your doctor or another member of your health-care team about assessing and diagnosing your symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate management strategies are vitally important when dealing with arthritis.

Q: What are common signs of inflammatory arthritis?

A: Inflammatory arthritis includes more than 90 different types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and others.

While there are specific symptoms that are associated with different types of inflammatory arthritis, several symptoms are common among the many different types. These symptoms include:

• Regular morning joint stiffness
• Persistent joint pain that does not improve
• Joint pain that is getting worse over time
• Joints that are swollen, red, hot or tender to the touch
• Joint pain accompanied by fever
• Several affected joints
• Joint problems that affect with your ability to move or function

If you are experiencing a one or more of these signs, see your doctor or another member of your health-care team about assessing and diagnosing your symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate management strategies are vitally important when dealing with arthritis.

Q: Is arthritis curable?

A: No, there is no known cause or cure for arthritis, but the progression and symptoms of the disease often can be managed. Physical activity, weight management, early diagnosis and appropriate treatments are key strategies to manage arthritis, reduce disability and improve quality of life.