Arthritis is a broad term encompassing more than 100 conditions that cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It is the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting over 54 million adults. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), each with distinct causes, progression, and treatment approaches. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage — the protective tissue covering the ends of bones. As cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. OA commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Risk factors include age, obesity, previous joint injury, and repetitive stress on the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining (synovium), causing chronic inflammation that damages cartilage and bone over time. RA typically affects the small joints of the hands and feet symmetrically and can also involve other organs. It is more common in women and often begins between ages 30 and 50. Other notable forms include psoriatic arthritis (associated with psoriasis), gout (caused by uric acid crystal deposits in joints), and ankylosing spondylitis (affecting primarily the spine). Diagnosis involves physical examination, blood tests (including rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and inflammatory markers), and imaging studies. Treatment depends on the type and severity of arthritis. For OA, management includes physical therapy, weight management, pain medications, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, and joint replacement surgery for severe cases. RA is treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate and biologic agents that target specific immune pathways. At Silvaris Health, our rheumatology and orthopaedic teams collaborate to provide integrated, individualized care to preserve joint function and improve quality of life.
