October 12, 2023

Understanding Arthritis: What You Need to Know

Arthritis

Arthritis is a term that many of us have heard before, but what exactly is it? Arthritis is not a single disease, but rather a broad term used to describe inflammation and pain in one or more joints. This condition is more common than you might think, affecting millions of people worldwide. In this blog, we’ll break down the basics of arthritis, discuss the available laboratory testing options, and share some important statistics to help you better understand it.

Types of Arthritis

There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the two most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis ¹. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This type of arthritis is more common in older adults and can affect joints like the knees, hips, and hands. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. It can affect people of any age and often impacts multiple joints, such as the fingers, wrists, and knees.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness.

Other symptoms might include:
  • swelling
  • reduced range of motion or decreased flexibility
  • chronic pain
  • unsteadiness.

Laboratory Testing for Arthritis

Diagnosing arthritis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and laboratory tests. Blood tests can help identify markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive Protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). Elevated levels of these markers can indicate the presence of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (CCP) Antibodies are blood tests that can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of RF and CCP antibodies can suggest an autoimmune cause of joint inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may remove a small amount of fluid from an affected joint to check for signs of infection or crystals (as seen in gout).
 

Statistics About Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions and it affects about 58.5 million Americans ¹. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting over 32.5 million adults in the United States alone ². While arthritis can affect people of all ages, it's more common in adults, particularly those over 65. It also affects women more often than men.
Arthritis poses a significant economic burden on individuals and healthcare systems. It can cause medical expenses, lost workdays, and reduced productivity. It is a leading cause of work disability because it can limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities and decrease their quality-of-life ¹.

For more information

Arthritis is a widespread condition that affects millions of people, causing joint pain and sometimes even leading to disability. While there is no cure, early diagnosis and appropriate management can help improve the quality of life for those with arthritis. Laboratory testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing arthritis. If you or a loved one experience joint pain or stiffness, please visit a healthcare provider for evaluation and diagnosis. For more information, visit the CDC’s website.

REFERENCES
¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, June 12). Fast facts about arthritis. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/arthritis-fast-facts.html.
² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, July 27). Osteoarthritis (OA). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm.