Arthritis Explained: Causes, Types & Diagnosis

Overview

Arthritis is not a single disease — it’s a group of more than 100 disorders that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints and surrounding tissues. It affects people of all ages, though it becomes more common as we grow older. Worldwide, arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability and chronic pain, impacting mobility, independence, and quality of life.

At PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, our team of orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists, and physiotherapists provide advanced arthritis diagnosis, treatment, and joint-care solutions. From early screening to minimally invasive joint surgeries, we offer patient-centric care designed to restore movement and reduce pain.

Understanding arthritis — its causes, types, symptoms, and diagnostic approach — is the first step toward effective management and long-term joint health.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Over time, this inflammation can damage cartilage — the smooth tissue that cushions the joints — causing bones to rub together and resulting in swelling, deformity, or loss of function.

Arthritis can be acute (short-term, due to infection or injury) or chronic (long-lasting and progressive). It may affect a single joint (monoarthritis) or multiple joints (polyarthritis).

Common Causes of Arthritis

Arthritis develops from a combination of genetic, environmental, metabolic, and lifestyle factors.

• Age and Wear & Tear: As we age, the protective cartilage naturally wears down, increasing friction and inflammation. This is the most common cause of osteoarthritis.
  
• Autoimmune Disorders: In some types — like rheumatoid arthritis — the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, causing chronic inflammation.
  
• Infections: Certain bacteria or viruses can invade the joint space and trigger septic arthritis. Prompt treatment prevents permanent damage.
  
• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of arthritis, particularly autoimmune forms, can increase susceptibility.
• Joint Injury or Overuse: Previous fractures, repetitive strain, or occupational stress can accelerate cartilage breakdown and inflammation.
  
• Obesity and Metabolic Factors: Excess weight increases joint load, especially on knees and hips, while metabolic issues like gout lead to uric-acid crystal buildup in joints.
  
• Hormonal and Gender Factors: Women are more prone to rheumatoid and lupus-related arthritis, especially post-menopause, due to hormonal changes that influence immune responses.
  

Main Types of Arthritis

Though there are over a hundred forms, these are the most prevalent and clinically significant:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA)

• The most common type, OA is a degenerative joint disease resulting from cartilage wear and tear.
• Affected joints: knees, hips, spine, hands.
• Symptoms: joint pain after activity, stiffness in the morning, and swelling.
• Treatment: lifestyle modification, weight control, physiotherapy, and joint-replacement surgery in severe cases.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• RA is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own joint lining (synovium).
• Key features: symmetrical joint involvement (both hands or knees), prolonged morning stiffness, fatigue, and low-grade fever.
• If untreated: can lead to joint deformity and organ involvement.
• PACE Hospitals uses disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological therapies for targeted management.

3. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

• Occurs in some individuals with psoriasis — a chronic skin disease.
• Symptoms: red patches on skin with joint pain, nail changes, and swollen fingers or toes.

4. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

• A chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.
• Symptoms: lower-back pain, stiffness that improves with movement, and reduced flexibility.
• Complication: fusion of spinal vertebrae (“bamboo spine”) in advanced stages.

5. Gout

• A metabolic arthritis caused by uric-acid buildup forming crystals in joints.
• Common sites: big toe, ankle, or knee.
• Triggers: high-protein diets, alcohol, and dehydration.
• Treatment: medications to lower uric acid and dietary modification.

6. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

• Affects children under 16 years. Symptoms include joint swelling, fever, and fatigue. Early diagnosis helps prevent growth and mobility complications.

7. Infectious (Septic) Arthritis

• Caused by bacterial or viral infections entering the joint. Requires urgent antibiotic therapy and joint drainage.

8. Lupus-Related Arthritis

• Seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition affecting multiple organs.
  

Recognizing arthritis early can help preserve joint function.

• Persistent joint pain or swelling
  
• Morning stiffness lasting > 30 minutes
  
• Warmth or redness around joints
  
• Reduced flexibility or clicking sounds
  
• Fatigue, low-grade fever, or weight loss in autoimmune forms
  

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, we use advanced diagnostic protocols.

Detailed Medical History & Physical Examination

• Doctors assess symptom pattern, family history, injury, and daily activity impact.

Laboratory Tests

• Blood Tests: ESR, CRP (inflammation markers)
• Rheumatoid Factor & Anti-CCP: to confirm rheumatoid arthritis
• Uric Acid Test: to diagnose gout
• ANA Test: for lupus or other autoimmune conditions

Imaging Studies

• X-rays: reveal joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or deformities.
• Ultrasound & MRI: detect early soft-tissue inflammation and cartilage loss.
• DEXA Scan: evaluates bone density, especially in elderly patients.

Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis)

• A sample of joint fluid is examined for infection, crystals, or inflammatory cells.

Arthroscopy

• A minimally invasive procedure using a tiny camera to visualize joint structures directly — both diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic.
  

Treatment Approach at PACE Hospitals

At PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, arthritis management is multidisciplinary — combining medical, surgical, and lifestyle care.

Non-Surgical Management

• Medications: NSAIDs for pain, corticosteroids for inflammation, DMARDs or biologics for autoimmune arthritis.
• Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation: improve mobility and strengthen muscles.
• Dietary Counseling: focus on anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and fiber-rich vegetables.
• Weight Management Programs to reduce joint load.

Surgical Management

For advanced arthritis or severe joint damage:

• Arthroscopy for joint cleaning or cartilage repair.
• Osteotomy for realigning bones and redistributing weight.
• Joint Replacement (Knee, Hip, Shoulder): uses high-precision implants for long-term mobility.

PACE Hospitals uses computer-assisted and minimally invasive joint replacement techniques that ensure faster recovery and lasting results.

Lifestyle and Home Care Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight.
  
• Stay active — gentle exercises like swimming or yoga improve flexibility.
  
• Apply heat or cold packs to relieve pain and stiffness.
  
• Avoid smoking and excess alcohol.
  
• Ensure adequate sleep and stress control.
  
• Schedule regular follow-ups to monitor joint health.
  

Why Choose PACE Hospitals for Arthritis Care?

• Team of expert orthopaedic surgeons & rheumatologists
• State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and laboratory support
• Comprehensive physiotherapy department
• Personalized pain-management and rehabilitation plans
• Cashless insurance facilities
• Ethical, evidence-based, and compassionate care

At PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, every arthritis patient receives individualized care designed to preserve joint mobility and improve quality of life.

What foods help reduce arthritis pain?

Anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, turmeric, ginger, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, and nuts may help reduce joint inflammation.

Does exercise make arthritis worse?

No — regular low-impact exercises like walking or swimming strengthen muscles around joints and reduce pain without damaging cartilage.

When should I see a doctor for joint pain?

Consult a doctor if pain persists for more than a week, worsens with activity, or is accompanied by swelling and stiffness. PACE Hospitals offers expert joint evaluation.

Why choose PACE Hospitals for arthritis treatment in Hyderabad?

PACE Hospitals provides advanced arthritis diagnosis, medical & surgical treatments, joint replacement surgery, and comprehensive rehabilitation under one roof.