Learning the anatomy of a joint can help you better understand arthritis. A joint is where the ends of two bones meet, such as the elbow, hip and knee. The cartilage (a smooth layer that covers the ends of bones in a joint) and synovium (a fluid that lines the fibrous capsule that encloses a joint) help reduce friction and wear and tear with bone-on-bone contact. Muscles, tendons and ligaments help connect, stabilize and enable movement to the joint.

Arthritis caused by injury, normal wear and tear or systemic disease causes inflammation, which in turn causes swelling, pain, stiffness and, for some, permanent disability.

The four major categories of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis (also known as wear and tear arthritis) is the most common type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage goes through natural degeneration that comes with aging.
• Inflammatory arthritis (such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis) results from excessive inflammatory response inside a joint due to an overactive immune system. Certain diseases, such as Lyme disease or gout, can also cause it.
• Post-traumatic arthritis is the result of an injury to the joint due to trauma. Post-traumatic arthritis occurs when a bone fracture extends into a joint and damages the cartilage. Over time, the joint breaks down and becomes arthritic.
• Septic or infectious arthritis results from an infection in the joint, most often caused by bacteria that travel through the bloodstream. Surgical drainage and antibiotic treatment are often needed to help treat this type of arthritis.

An X-ray is often a starting point to show the extent of joint damage. It may be occasionally combined with advanced imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood tests and other laboratory tests to help determine the type of arthritis.

Treatment depends on the type of arthritis you have. Most orthopedic diseases and injuries have more than one form of treatment. However, we usually begin treatment with nonsurgical approaches, such as over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen) and prescription medications to help control the pain. Patients with inflammatory arthritis can benefit from medications that modify the body’s immune response.

Other conventional treatment options include electrical nerve stimulation that transmits low-level electrical charges into the area in pain, exercise and physical therapy to help restore mobility and range of motion and improve strength.

However, if nonsurgical treatments fail to address your condition or improve your symptoms effectively, we may recommend surgery to provide longer-lasting pain relief from arthritis. Some of the most common surgical procedures include:

• Total or partial joint replacement
• Osteotomy to realign the joints
• Synovectomy to remove the diseased or damaged joint lining
• Joint fusion to allow the bones to heal into a single solid bone

With a healthy and active lifestyle, medications and weight management, most people with arthritis can continue to lead normal and productive lives. However, patients with more severe forms of arthritis can benefit greatly from orthopedic surgery to help restore joint function and reduce pain.

There is still no cure for arthritis, but there are many ways we can help ease your arthritis pain. Getting an arthritis diagnosis can be initially overwhelming, but we can help you navigate your health journey towards a more independent and active lifestyle.

Cheers to good health and healing!

Ramin Pooyan, D.O.
Orthopedic Surgeon - Hand and Upper Extremity Specialist