In its simplest terms, arthritis is when your joints are inflamed and tender, causing them to feel stiff and painful. As we age, if you suffer from arthritis, the pain and stiffness typically intensifies.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. Some are brought on by certain activities, such as sports injuries, while others stem from genetics and other factors, such as gender. While you can’t definitively prevent all types of arthritis, certain proactive measures can prevent, delay or reduce your risks of getting certain types of arthritis. There may also be measures you can take to reduce the condition’s severity or increase your comfort.

Here are some common types of arthritis and what actions you can take:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It affects the entire joint – bone, cartilage, ligaments and surrounding fat and tissues. The most common symptoms are pain, stiffness, and joint mobility or range of motion loss, muscle weakness and clicking or popping sounds. Joints frequently affected include knees, hips, fingers and feet.

Osteoarthritis can occur simply as a function of aging, particularly after the age of 50. But other factors can lead to its onset, including:

• An injury to the joint.
• Joint overuse, such as in certain jobs or in sports.
• Excess weight adding stress and pressure on the joint, plus increased inflammation from fat cells.
• Musculoskeletal abnormalities and genetics, including gender, with women being more likely to develop this condition than men.
• Weak muscles that cannot provide the joint with enough support.

Factors you may be able to influence when or if you get OA, or its severity, include:

• Strength training to increase muscle support.
• Eating healthy to prevent obesity.
• Taking measures to increase bone density, such as increasing calcium and Vitamin D intake.

Also, women experiencing estrogen loss, such as that related to menopause, have an increased risk of developing OA.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the synovium, or lining, of the joints. While it typically affects hands, knees, and ankles on both sides of the body, impairments can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the heart and lungs. Genetics plays a role in acquiring RA, and women seem to get it more frequently than men. Researchers also speculate that some genes may be activated by external factors such as physical or emotional stress—or even certain viruses or bacteria.

In addition to pain, swelling and tenderness, many RA sufferers also experience extreme fatigue. Symptoms can come and go in episodes referred to as “flares,” which may last from a few days to months.

Gout

‍This common form of inflammatory arthritis develops in some individuals with high levels of uric acid from the breakdown of purines. Purines are a natural substance in our bodies, but they also come from certain foods such as red meat, certain seafoods, alcohol, and sugary sodas. Sharp crystals develop from this uric acid buildup that then lodge in joints (most often in the big toe, but it can also occur in other toes, as well as knees and ankles). Attacks are sudden and extremely painful. They may be brief and then not reoccur for months or longer. Some individuals may experience gout just once in their lifetime.

Gout occurs in men more frequently than women; in men, it occurs more commonly after age 40 and in women, after menopause. In addition to diet, gout can also result from high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, psoriasis, and some medications. Infections, illnesses, and surgical procedures can all trigger a flare.

Without treatment, gout flares can become increasingly severe. Adopting a Mediterranean-style or low-sodium diet and limiting meat and alcohol consumption can reduce your risk for gout.

Some arthritis may be inevitable, but by controlling some behaviors, you may increase your chances of reducing, preventing or delaying some types of arthritis. If weight loss is one of your arthritis-beating strategies, don’t forget to take advantage of your Real Appeal Weight Loss benefit that provides free online support with your goals through your UHC medical plan.

If you have been diagnosed with a severe type of arthritis, such as RA, contact 2nd.MD if you feel a second opinion is needed.

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