Arthritis

“Arthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. You may need to try several different treatments, or combinations of treatments…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Arthritis Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Aches
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Joint Diseases
  • Joint Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Psoriasis
  • Rheumatic Conditions/Diseases
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Terminology

Can arthritis mean different things to different people?

In What Is Arthritis? Arthritis Australia explain:

“Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically joints where two or more bones meet”.2

Definition

What is arthritis?

DotS the definition of arthritis may vary. In Arthritis: Overview of Arthritis the (United States) National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases’ (NIAMS) definition is:

““Arthritis” literally means joint inflammation. Joints are places where two bones meet, such as your elbow or knee.

There are many different types of arthritis with different causes and treatments. In some types, other organs, such as your eyes, heart, or skin, can also be affected.

Common symptoms of arthritis include pain, redness, heat, and swelling in your joints”.3

Types

What are the 2 most common types of arthritis?

In Arthritis: Overview – Types of Arthritis the (United Kingdom) NHS elaborate on:

“Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the 2 most common types of arthritis”.4

Osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis (OA)?

DotS the definition of OA may vary. In Osteoarthritis: Overview of Osteoarthritis? the NIAMS’s definition is:

“Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, in which the tissues in the joint break down over time. It is the most common type of arthritis and is more common in older people”.5

Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

DotS the definition of RA may vary. In Rheumatoid Arthritis: Overview, Symptoms & Causes – Overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis the NIAMS’s definition is:

“Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease that mostly affects joints. RA occurs when the immune system, which normally helps protect the body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues. The disease causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in joints”.6

Symptom Differences

Are arthritis symptoms one-size-fits-all?

No. In Arthritis: Arthritis Basics – Symptoms and Diagnosis the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain:

“Symptoms vary by arthritis type but usually include joint pain and stiffness”.7

Cause

What causes arthritis?

In Arthritis: What Is Arthritis? the (United Kingdom) Versus Arthritis elaborate on:

“It may be difficult to say what has caused your arthritis. There are several factors that can increase the risk of each type of arthritis. It could be that the genes you inherited from your parents or grandparents made you more likely to get arthritis”.8

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and OA?

On page three in Maintaining Health and Preventing Disease After the Menopause: Reducing the Risks of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis Post Menopause the International Menopause Society elaborate on:

“While osteoarthritis is more common in men than women before menopause, it is higher in women after menopause. The identification of women with a family history of arthritis or those who are beginning to have stiff joints and immobility at the start of menopause is important and may allow for interventions, such as physical therapy, weight loss, physical exercise and anti-inflammatory agents. There is some data suggesting that estrogen may have a role in improving or decreasing the risk of osteoarthritis”.9

Management

What can arthritis management include?

In Arthritis: Self Care for Arthritis – Arthritis: Five Ways To Manage Your Symptoms – Things You Can Do Right Away the CDC elaborate on:

Arthritis

“Follow these five key steps to manage your arthritis:

  1. Learn the skills you need to manage arthritis…
  2. Be active…
  3. Keep a healthy weight…
  4. See your healthcare provider…
  5. Protect your joints…”.10

Treatment

How may arthritis be treated?

In Arthritis: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the (United States) Mayo Clinic note:

“Arthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. You may need to try several different treatments, or combinations of treatments, before you determine what works best for you”.11

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have arthritis?

If you think you have arthritis, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Arthritis Basics: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take – How Is Arthritis Treated?. the NIAMS explain:

“There are many treatments that can help relieve pain and help you live with arthritis.
You should talk to your doctor about the best treatments for you, which can include:

  • Medications to relieve pain, slow the condition, and prevent further damage
  • Surgery to repair joint damage or relieve pain”.12

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Arthritis?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Arthritis?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Arthritis10 Steps for Living Well With Arthritis
  2. 10 Ways To Reduce Pain
  3. 12 Ways To Treat Your Back Pain Without Surgery
  4. 16 Hand and Wrist Exercises To Help Ease Arthritis Pain
  5. 5 Types of Foods That Cause Inflammation
  6. 6 Foods To Eat for Healthy Joints
  7. 8 Osteoporosis Risk Factors and Causes Arthritis Patients Need To Know About
  8. About Arthritis
  9. About Arthritis
  10. Access To Information on RMDS Knowledge Is Power
  11. An Anti-Inflammatory Diet May Be Good for Your Joints
  12. Ankylosing Spondylitis
  13. Areas of the Body
  14. Arthritis
  15. Arthritis
  16. Arthritis
  17. Arthritis
  18. Arthritis Diet
  19. Arthritis Exercise: What To Try and What To Avoid
  20. Arthritis Foundation [United States]
  21. Arthritis NZ Mateponapona Aotearoa
  22. Arthritis Pain: Do’s and Don’ts
  23. Arthritis [+ Video]
  24. Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
  25. Arthritis – Multiply Languages
  26. Arthritis: About Physical Activity and Arthritis
  27. Arthritis: Arthritis Basics
  28. Arthritis: Arthritis Risk Factors
  29. Arthritis: Fibromyalgia
  30. Arthritis: Gout
  31. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis
  32. Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis
  33. Arthritis: Self-Care for Arthritis: 5 Ways To Manage Your Symptoms
  34. Arthritis: Should You Avoid Nightshade Vegetables?
  35. Arthritis: What Causes Arthritis?
  36. Arthritisaustralia.com.au [Arthritis Australia]
  37. Back Pain
  38. Back Pain, Your Spine and Father Time: 13 Ways To Treat Age-Related Back Pain
  39. Bones, Joints and Muscles [Topics]
  40. Chronic Pain and Menopause: What’s the Link? | The Dr Louise Newson Podcast
  41. Common Aches and Pains
  42. ArthritisComplementary and Alternative Treatments
  43. Conditions
  44. Does CBD Help With Arthritis Pain?
  45. Drug Used To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis Could Prevent Disease Onset
  46. Drugs
  47. Exercise Helps Ease Arthritis Pain and Stiffness
  48. Exercises To Manage Pain
  49. Exercising With Knee or Hip Pain
  50. Exploring the Link Between Menopause and Rheumatic Disease
  51. Foods To Ease Your Chronic Pain
  52. Get Help
  53. Gout
  54. Gout
  55. How To Cope With Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
  56. How To Prepare for A Virtual Rheumatology Consultation
  57. How You Can Ease Your Aches and Pain With Meditation
  58. Information Sheets [Multiply Languages]
  59. Living With Arthritis
  60. Living With Arthritis
  61. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Strategies for Staying Active With Joint Pain
  62. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Turmeric for Healthy Diet, Pain Relief
  63. Menopause With A Rheumatic Disease
  64. Menopause and Musculoskeletal Health
  65. NSAIDS [Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs]
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 7 Things To Know About Complementary Health Approaches for Osteoarthritis
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chronic Pain: What You Need To Know
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis: What You Need To Know
  69. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Health Topics
  70. Occupational Therapy
  71. Occupational Therapy for Arthritis
  72. Osteoarthritis
  73. Osteoarthritis
  74. Osteoarthritis
  75. Paget’s Disease of Bone [+ Video]
  76. Pain In the Back: Preventing and Treating Spinal Arthritis
  77. Physical Activity and Self-Management Education Programs for Arthritis
  78. Physical Therapy for Arthritis
  79. Physiotherapy
  80. Psoriatic Arthritis Patient Education & Resources
  81. Psoriasis
  82. Rheumatoid Arthritis
  83. Rheumatoid Arthritis
  84. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises To Relieve and Prevent Lower Back Pain
  85. Surviving Menopause With Arthritis [+ Podcast]
  86. Talking About Arthritis Pain
  87. Therapies
  88. Types of Arthritis
  89. Understanding Arthritis
  90. Understanding Your Options for Topical Pain Relief
  91. Versusarthritis.org [Versus Arthritis, United Kingdom]
  92. Want To Reduce Chronic Inflammation? Start With Your Grocery List
  93. What Is Arthritis?
  94. ArthritisWhat Is Arthritis?
  95. What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
  96. What To Know About Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Menopause
  97. What Kind of Doctor Treats Arthritis?
  98. Why You Wake Up With Stiff Joints
  99. World Arthritis Day 2024 [12 October 2024]
  100. World Arthritis Day 2024 [12 October 2024] [+ Video Animation Explaining PIFU, Multiply Languages]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources at:

Sources

  1. Arthritis: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 29 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350777 Accessed: 09 January 2025
  2. What Is Arthritis? Arthritis Australia https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/what-is-arthritis/ Accessed: 09 January 2025
  3. Arthritis: Overview of Arthritis. Last Reviewed: November 2022. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis Accessed: 09 January 2025
  4. Arthritis: Overview – Types of Arthritis. Page Last Reviewed: 08 September 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthritis/#types-of-arthritis Accessed: 09 January 2025
  5. Osteoarthritis: Overview, Symptoms & Causes – Overview of Osteoarthritis. Last Reviewed: September 2023. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis Accessed: 09 January 2025
  6. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Overview, Symptoms & Causes – Overview. Last Reviewed: November 2022. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis Accessed: 09 January 2025
  7. Arthritis: Arthritis Basics – Symptoms and Diagnosis. 22 March 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/index.html Accessed: 09 January 2025
  8. Arthritis: What Is Arthritis? Versus Arthritis https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/arthritis/ Accessed: 09 January 2025
  9. Arthritis: Self Care for Arthritis – Arthritis: Five Ways To Manage Your Symptoms – Things You Can Do Right Away. 17 January 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/caring/index.html Accessed: 09 June 2024
  10. Arthritis: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 29 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350777 Accessed: 09 June 2024
  11. Arthritis Basics: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take – How Is Arthritis Treated? Last Reviewed: November 2022. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis/basics/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take Accessed: 09 June 2024
Topic Last Updated: 20 February 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 09 January 2025

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by