What is arthritis?

Arthritis is not one disease, but a term for many conditions that affect the joints of your body. Joints are points where 2 or more bones meet, such as in the wrist, knuckles, hips, knees and ankles.

Arthritis damages your joints, usually resulting in discomfort and pain. It can range from mild to severe and can affect people of all ages.

What are the types of arthritis?

The most common types of arthritis in Australia are:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• gout
• ankylosing spondylitis

Juvenile arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects children.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The symptoms of arthritis vary from person to person. But if you have arthritis, you will almost certainly have some joint symptoms, such as:

• pain
• swelling
• redness and warmth
• stiffness
• reduced movement

These symptoms may affect one or more of your joints.

Some types of arthritis also affect other areas of your body, such as your eyes. Arthritis can also cause more general symptoms, such as fatigue.

What causes arthritis?

The exact cause of many types of arthritis are not fully known. Genetic factors may be involved.

Many forms of arthritis are caused by problems with your immune system. Other forms of arthritis, such as gout, are caused by a metabolic condition.

Some factors that may increase your risk of arthritis are:

• increasing age
• having a family history of arthritis
• obesity or being overweight
• smoking
• activities that involve repetitive movements of a joint
• previous damage to a joint, such as from an injury

When should I see my doctor?

Joints get sore and swollen for many reasons. It could be due to an injury, overuse, or doing a new type of physical activity.

See your doctor if you are worried about joint pain or if you have pain and stiffness in joints that:

• starts with no clear reason
• lasts for more than a few days
• causes swelling, redness and warmth

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms. They may also ask about your overall health and if you have a family history of arthritis.

Tests that your doctor may recommend are:

• blood tests
• a sample of fluid taken from a joint
• an x-ray, ultrasound or CT scan

Some types of arthritis are hard to diagnose, so it may take a few visits and tests to get a diagnosis.

Your doctor may also refer you to a rheumatologist, who specialises in conditions that affect the joints.

How is arthritis treated?

There are treatments available that can help control your symptoms and prevent damage to your joints.

Treatment will depend on:

• which type of arthritis you have
• which joints are affected
• your symptoms

Treatment might include:

• medicines
• surgery
• other treatments

Medicines

Medicines for arthritis include:

• pain-relief medicines
• anti-inflammatory medicines
• disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis

Surgery

In some people, surgery may be recommended to replace or repair your damaged joints.

Other treatments

You may benefit from seeing other health professionals, such as a:

• physiotherapist
• occupational therapist
• exercise physiologist
• podiatrist

Living with arthritis

There are many things you can do to help manage arthritis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help control your symptoms.

How can eating a healthy diet help my arthritis?

Eating well is important for your overall health and wellbeing. A healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, which reduces the pressure put on your joints. This might help reduce joint pain.

If you have arthritis, you should aim to eat a healthy balanced diet. If you have gout, you may be advised to avoid alcohol and certain foods.

If you need advice about your diet, ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian.

Can staying active help my arthritis?

Staying active and getting regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to treat arthritis. Exercise can help in many ways, including:

• reducing pain
• keeping your muscles strong
• improving your fitness
• improving your mental health and wellbeing
• improving sleep

The type of exercise that is best for you will depend on the type of arthritis you have. It’s important to find the right type and level of exercise. Try to be realistic about the amount of exercise you can do and choose an activity you enjoy.

You can also ask a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist to help work out the activities that will suit you best. Start slowly and check with your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms.

Suitable activities might include:

• walking
• cycling
• yoga
• tai chi
• swimming
• aqua aerobics
• strength training

What can I do to help manage my arthritis pain?

Pain can be caused by inflammation, damage to the joints and muscle tension. It can be worse when you are tired or stressed.

Some things you can try to manage pain include:

• staying active
• massage
• acupuncture
• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• mindfulness techniques
• meditation

Are there aids to help with daily activities?

If you have arthritis, it’s important to protect your joints by finding the best way of doing daily tasks. There is also equipment designed to help make your life easier.

Products and equipment are available that can help you to:

• get dressed
• manage in the bathroom
• prepare food
• reach for and pick up objects
• get in and out of chairs
• turn doorknobs and keys
• do household cleaning

See an occupational therapist for advice on managing your daily activities.

If your arthritis makes you unsteady, make sure you reduce your risk of falls.

To find out more, read Arthritis Australia’s booklet ‘At home with arthritis’.

Can arthritis be prevented?

There are some risk factors for arthritis that you can’t change, such as your family history and age. But there are other risk factors you can do something about, including:

• eating a healthy diet
• being physically active
• maintaining a healthy weight
• quitting smoking

Complications of arthritis

Arthritis can affect your quality of life due to pain and immobility. It can lead to problems with:

• sleep
• tiredness
• depression
• anxiety

Arthritis can also lead to the loss of your independence and social isolation.

Resources and support

For more information on arthritis and the support available, you can contact Arthritis Australia on 1800 011 041.

Arthritis Australia also has information in languages other than English.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.