Arthritis pain is a common issue for millions of Americans of all ages. In fact, the CDC reports that over 50 million people were suffering from some form of arthritis in 2018; that’s a staggering 23% of all adults. Because it’s so common, arthritis is considered the leading cause of disability in the United States.

Arthritis pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that impacts mobility and quality of life.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with arthritis, you may have questions regarding the nature of the condition and how it can be treated.

Today, we’re examining what arthritis is--and how Pain Treatment Centers of America can help you effectively manage the pain and joint stiffness that accompany it.

What is Arthritis?

Despite having one name, arthritis is actually an umbrella term for over 100 different conditions and diseases.

Degenerative disc disease, gout, bursitis, Kawasaki disease, fibromyalgia, and lupus are all considered forms of arthritis.

At its most basic level, arthritis is inflammation of the body’s joints --the places where two or more bones meet. Most commonly, arthritis affects the joints of the fingers, hips, knees, elbows, wrists, back and neck.

What Are the Most Common Types of Arthritis?

Arthritis is incredibly common, but a few types are diagnosed more often than others:

Osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis occurs when the cushioning cartilage between the joints breaks down. This can cause the bones to rub together or the joints to grind during normal movements. Osteoarthritis is a common side effect of aging, resulting from the normal wear and tear of joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own healthy tissues, including the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis causes a swelling in the joints that can lead to debilitating pain and deformation of the joints.

Psoriatic Arthritis. Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. It can also cause damage to joints and ligaments if left untreated.

Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a pain disorder in which the brain processes pain signals differently and more intensely than is normal. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal discomfort, sensitivity to touch and disturbances to sleep and mood.

Gout. Gout is a condition characterized by sudden, severe bouts of pain, generally located in a single joint like the one in the big toe. It’s caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, and joint discomfort can linger for weeks after a bout of inflammation has subsided.

How is Arthritis Treated?

Before you can seek proper treatment for your arthritis, you’ll need to find out the kind of arthritis you have. This can be accomplished through laboratory tests, x-rays and input from your doctor.

The most common treatments for arthritis include traditional oral medications like analgesics and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Other common treatments include corticosteroid injections, sacroiliac joint injections , ultrasound guided major joint injection , and joint surgery.

Pain Treatment Centers of America specializes in treating multiple forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and degenerative disc disease.