Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage. It typically affects joints on both sides of the body and can cause significant disability if untreated.

Symptoms

Joint pain: Pain in multiple joints, especially in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet.

Stiffness: Joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Swelling: Swelling and redness around affected joints due to inflammation.

Fatigue: A general feeling of tiredness and low energy, often associated with flare-ups.

Risk Factors

Age: RA most commonly develops in people aged 30-60, though it can occur at any age.

Gender: Women are more likely to develop RA, with a higher incidence rate than men.

Genetics: A family history of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases increases the risk.

Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing RA and can exacerbate the condition.

Diagnosis

Physical examination: A doctor will assess joint tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.

Blood tests: Tests such as the rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are used to diagnose RA and assess disease activity.

X-rays: X-rays can help identify joint damage or erosion caused by RA.

Ultrasound: Used to detect inflammation or fluid buildup around joints.

Treatment Options

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Medications like methotrexate and sulfasalazine that help slow the progression of the disease and reduce inflammation.

Biologic agents: Targeted therapies such as TNF inhibitors (e.g., adalimumab, etanercept) that reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen to relieve pain and inflammation.

Steroids: Corticosteroids like prednisone may be used to reduce acute inflammation and flare-ups.

Physical therapy: Exercises to improve joint function, flexibility, and strength.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, and spine, and is often seen in older adults.

Symptoms

Joint pain: Pain in the affected joints, particularly after physical activity or at the end of the day.

Stiffness: Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.

Swelling: Swelling in the joint area, which may worsen after activity.

Reduced range of motion: Difficulty fully moving the joint due to pain or cartilage damage.

Risk Factors

Age: The risk of OA increases with age, especially after the age of 50.

Obesity: Extra weight increases the stress on joints, particularly the knees and hips, leading to OA.

Joint injury: Previous injuries or trauma to a joint, like fractures or ligament tears, can increase the likelihood of developing OA.

Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis may increase the risk.

Diagnosis

X-rays: X-rays help detect joint damage, such as bone spurs, cartilage loss, and narrowing of the joint space.

MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging is used for detailed images of soft tissues, like cartilage and ligaments.

Physical exam: The doctor will assess joint movement, tenderness, and signs of swelling.

Treatment Options

Pain-relief medications: NSAIDs like ibuprofen, or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy: Strengthening exercises to improve joint stability and flexibility.

Joint injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.

Joint replacement surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention, such as hip or knee replacement, may be considered.

Lifestyle modifications: Weight management and regular low-impact exercises to reduce stress on affected joints.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs, causing widespread inflammation. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and other organs, and may lead to flare-ups of symptoms.

Symptoms

Skin rashes: A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose is a common symptom.

Joint pain and swelling: Often affecting the hands, wrists, and knees.

Fatigue: Extreme tiredness that doesn't improve with rest.

Photosensitivity: Sensitivity to sunlight that can cause rashes or flare-ups.

Risk Factors

Gender: Women are more likely to develop lupus, with most cases occurring between the ages of 15 and 45.

Genetics: A family history of lupus or other autoimmune diseases increases the risk.

Ethnicity: Lupus is more common in African American, Hispanic, and Asian populations.

Environmental triggers: Exposure to sunlight, infections, or certain medications can trigger flare-ups.

Diagnosis

Blood tests: To detect autoantibodies, such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), which are present in most people with lupus.

Physical examination: To assess the presence of characteristic rashes or joint swelling.

Urine tests: To check for kidney damage, a common complication of lupus.

Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy of the affected tissue (e.g., kidney) may be performed.

Treatment Options

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): To relieve pain and inflammation, particularly for joint pain.

Antimalarial drugs: Medications like hydroxychloroquine are used to control lupus symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response during flare-ups.

Immunosuppressive drugs: Drugs like methotrexate or azathioprine may be used in more severe cases to control the immune system.

Biologic therapies: Newer targeted therapies, such as belimumab, to reduce disease activity in severe cases of lupus.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, redness, and swelling. It often affects the big toe but can occur in other joints, including the ankles, knees, and elbows.

Symptoms

Severe joint pain: Intense pain, often starting at night, typically in the big toe.

Swelling and redness: The affected joint becomes swollen, warm, and red.

Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the affected joint due to pain and inflammation.

Risk Factors

Diet: A diet high in purine-rich foods (e.g., red meat, shellfish, alcohol) increases the risk of gout.

Obesity: Being overweight increases uric acid production and decreases kidney function, raising the risk.

Gender: Men are more likely to develop gout, though women’s risk increases after menopause.

Genetics: A family history of gout increases the risk.

Diagnosis

Blood tests: To check uric acid levels in the blood, though levels may not always reflect the severity of symptoms.

Joint fluid analysis: A sample of fluid from the affected joint is examined under a microscope to detect uric acid crystals.

X-rays: To rule out other types of arthritis and assess joint damage.

Treatment Options

NSAIDs: Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation during a gout attack.

Colchicine: A drug specifically used to reduce inflammation and pain during an acute gout flare-up.

Corticosteroids: Injections or oral corticosteroids may be used for severe flare-ups.

Urate-lowering medications: Drugs like allopurinol or febuxostat reduce uric acid levels in the blood to prevent future gout attacks.

Lifestyle changes: Avoiding purine-rich foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated can help prevent gout flare-ups.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects both the joints and the skin. It occurs in people with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. Psoriatic arthritis leads to inflammation in the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Symptoms

Joint pain and swelling: Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, often affecting the fingers, toes, and spine.

Skin rashes: Red, scaly patches of skin (psoriasis) that may appear before or during joint symptoms.

Fatigue: A general feeling of tiredness, often associated with flare-ups.

Nail changes: Thickening, pitting, or separation of the nails from the nail bed, often seen in affected individuals.

Risk Factors

Family history: A family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis increases the risk.

Age: Psoriatic arthritis typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50.

Psoriasis: People with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, though it can develop without prior psoriasis symptoms.

Infections or trauma: Infections, injuries, or stress can trigger the onset of psoriatic arthritis.

Diagnosis

Physical examination: A doctor will look for joint swelling, tenderness, and signs of psoriasis on the skin.

Blood tests: To rule out other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and to check for markers of inflammation.

X-rays: To assess joint damage and detect any signs of joint erosion.

MRI or Ultrasound: Used to evaluate inflammation and damage to the joints, particularly in the spine.

Treatment Options

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Used to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Medications like methotrexate or sulfasalazine to slow disease progression and reduce inflammation.

Biologic agents: Targeted therapies such as TNF inhibitors (e.g., etanercept, infliximab) that help control inflammation and prevent joint damage.

Topical treatments: Medications like corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs to treat skin psoriasis.

Physical therapy: Exercises to improve joint function, flexibility, and strength.