Living with Arthritis

According to the CDC, over 32.5 million US adults are affected by osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis. In 2022, the age-adjusted prevalence of diagnosed arthritis in adults aged 18 and older was 18.9%, with women 21% more likely to develop the disease than men. The most common symptoms of arthritis are stiffness and joint pain, but these symptoms can be so severe they limit activities people normally do every day. Arthritis can poorly affect people’s mental health and, left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage and co-occur with other chronic conditions. Early treatment is the best method for relieving symptoms and limiting the effects of inflammatory arthritis on the body. Taking a proactive role in understanding and treating arthritis will help patients experience less pain and feel more in control of their health.

Nova Vita Solutions

At Nova Vita, we offer a range of treatments designed to support those living with arthritis and promote overall wellness. Our Red Light Therapy can help reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain, providing a non-invasive way to improve mobility and comfort. For those looking to reduce inflammation from within, our IV infusions deliver essential nutrients and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream to boost immune function and enhance joint health. Additionally, our weight loss programs can help alleviate joint stress by promoting healthy weight management, reducing the strain on your joints, and improving overall mobility. Take control of your arthritis today with Nova Vita’s innovative therapies—book your consultation to start your journey toward better health!

What is Inflammatory Arthritis?

Inflammatory arthritis is joint inflammation caused by an overactive immune system. It is less common than osteoarthritis, the most common form, and typically starts earlier. Joint pain and stiffness from inflammatory arthritis can cause joints to feel warm, swollen, and tender. It can also affect other tissues in the body, such as the lungs, heart, eyes, and skin.

The cause of inflammatory arthritis isn’t known in every patient, but what is evident in all cases is the immune system doesn’t know when to stop. Normally, when we are exposed to bacteria and foreign invaders, the immune system produces white blood cells called lymphocytes as well as immune proteins to fight against these invaders. In someone with inflammatory arthritis, the immune system turns on a patient’s body, attacking their tissues instead of foreign substances, causing continued inflammation. That’s why inflammatory arthritis is referred to as an autoimmune disease with “auto” meaning “self,” indicating the immune system is attacking its cells.

Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Inflammatory Arthritis

Despite sharing similar symptoms, osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis are quite different. Osteoarthritis starts in the cartilage, which lines the bone at the joints. This cartilage gets damaged, causing the underlying bone to thicken and develop spurs called osteophytes. Osteoarthritis is less of an inflammatory process, but inflammation is still present. Factors that contribute to osteoarthritis include aging, joint injury, body weight, and other mechanical factors that affect how joints are aligned.

Inflammatory arthritis often starts in the other soft tissues that line the joint, called the synovium. This lining thickens and its cells and the joint fluid releases chemicals that cause inflammation, swelling, redness, and heat. While in osteoarthritis, symptoms are linked to joints, in inflammatory arthritis, joints and other organs (lungs, heart, eyes, tendons, and skin) are affected.

Types of Inflammatory Arthritis

Your doctor will perform several tests if you experience inflammatory arthritis symptoms, including a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging exams (X-rays, joint ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans). Based on the exam results, your doctor will determine which type of inflammatory arthritis you have:

● Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis involving one or more joints of the hands or feet. The synonym (lining of these joints/tendons) is inflamed, causing heat, pain, and stiffness. It’s important to control inflammation in the synovial joints and to treat RA to minimize further damage to other organs.

● Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) affects people under the age of 16, causing inflammation in the joints and sometimes in the spine and ligaments. JIA lasts for more than 6 weeks and symptoms include swelling or mobility problems. Some cases of JIA can cause eye inflammation so getting a diagnosis and treatment early is important.

● Psoriatic arthritis (also called spondyloarthropathy) is a combination of psoriasis (red, scaly patches on the skin, specifically the knees, elbows, and scalp) and pain and swelling in the large and small joints, as in some cases the spine. Psoriatic arthritis can cause complete swelling of a finger or toe, which is called “dactylitis.”

● Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) primarily affects the spine, but can also occur in larger joints like hips. AS can eventually lead to reduced motion in the spine. The HLA-B27 gene is considered a strong genetic marker for AS.

● Gout and pseudogout (CPDD) are forms of arthritis caused by elevated levels of crystals in the body. Excess uric acid causes gout, or crystallization in joints such as the big toe. This increases the risk of kidney stones. CPDD occurs when calcium salts form in the joints and are engulfed by white blood cells, causing inflammation mainly in the wrists and knees.

Treating Arthritis: A Lifetime Journey

If you have inflammatory arthritis, it’s imperative to regularly see a rheumatologist to monitor your health and customize your treatment. When visiting a rheumatologist, bring a full list of your medications (including those for arthritis), any notes about side effects from taking them, copies of blood and imaging test reports, a list of all health conditions you have had, prior surgeries, other symptoms, and questions you may have.

Your doctor will assess the type and severity of inflammatory arthritis and then consider treatment options, such as:

● Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

● Steroid medications (such as prednisone) are typically prescribed for short periods because of their side effects.

● Biologic DMARDs, such as infliximab, abatacept, rituximab, etanercept, and adalimumab, target proteins driving inflammation. DMARDs have spared many RA patients from surgery.

● Surgery may be necessary for specific joint damage that cannot be controlled by medication.

How to Live Better With Arthritis

In addition to medication, non-drug treatments, and surgery your doctor may recommend, it’s important to implement healthy habits to help ease your pain, alleviate arthritis symptoms, and ensure you’re the healthiest version of yourself. You may consider weight loss programs, physical therapy, red light therapy, acupuncture, and massages. Consider the following do-it-yourself strategies:

● Eat a healthy diet and make sure you are not overweight. While there are many myths about the correct diet for arthritis, no diet has been proven to cure the disease. Consider removing inflammatory foods from your diet and focus on eating whole foods and a heart-healthy diet.

● Keep moving and avoid holding one position for too long. Stretch often when sitting for long periods, take walks, and explore low-impact exercise routines such as yoga, pilates, swimming, hiking, and more.

● Use your strongest joints and muscles. For example, open doors with your arm or shoulder to protect your finger and wrist joints.

● Avoid positions or movements that put extra stress on your joints.

● Use labor-saving items such as electric can openers and mixers, automatic toilet bowl cleaners, spray-on mildew remover, and more. Explore the market for other ways to prevent you from unnecessary bending, reaching, and excess strain.

● Make your home safer with items such as a grab mount bar over the tub, a suction mat in the tub to prevent falling, a bathing stool, or casters on furniture.

● Don’t be afraid to ask for help! While it may seem like you’ve lost a piece of your independence living with arthritis, your health and safety are what matters. Educate trusted family and friends about your disease, its limitations, and how they can help you with specific tasks.

Living with arthritis can be challenging, but with the right strategies, lifestyle changes, and treatments, it’s possible to manage pain and improve your quality of life. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and working closely with healthcare professionals can help you maintain mobility and reduce symptoms. Schedule an appointment with Nova Vita today! We offer comprehensive wellness services in Cedar Park, and you can also find us in Austin, TX. Let us help you achieve better joint health and a more active lifestyle!