Rheumatic conditions tend to involve pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involveTrusted Source<\/a> the immune system and various internal organs of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus<\/a> (SLE), can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 54.4 millionTrusted Source<\/a> adults in the United States have received a diagnosis of some form of arthritis. Of these, 23.7 million people have their activity curtailed in some way by their condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arthritis is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, but it can affect people of all ages, including children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment for arthritis aims to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A range of medications and lifestyle strategies can help achieve this and protect joints from further damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment might involveTrusted Source<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Non-inflammatory types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, are often treated with pain-reducing medications, physical activity, weight loss if the person is overweight, and self-management education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These treatments are also applied to inflammatory types of arthritis, such as RA, along with anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs<\/a> (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and a relatively new class of drugs known as biologics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medications will depend on the type of arthritis. Commonly used drugs include<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To discover more evidence-based information and resources for healthy aging, visit our dedicated hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A healthful, balanced diet with appropriate exercise, avoiding smoking, and not drinking excess alcohol can help people with arthritis maintain their overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no specific diet that treats arthritis, but some types of food may help reduce inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following foods, found in a Mediterranean diet<\/a>, can provide many nutrients that are good for joint health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are some foods that people with arthritis may want to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, contain a chemical called solanine that some studies have linked with arthritis pain. Research findings are mixed when it comes to these vegetables, but some people have reported a reduction in arthritis symptoms when avoiding nightshade vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Self-management of arthritis symptoms is also important<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key strategies include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seven habits that can help a person with arthritis to manage their condition are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not sit in the same position for long periods. Take regular breaks to keep mobile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doctors will often recommend a course of physical therapy<\/a> to help patients with arthritis overcome some of the challenges and to reduce limitations on mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forms of physical therapy that may be recommended include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research suggests that although individuals with arthritis may experience short-term increases in pain when first beginning exercise, continued physical activity can be an effective way to reduce symptomsTrusted Source<\/a> long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People with arthritis can participate in joint-friendly physical activity on their own or with friends. As many people with arthritis have another condition, such as heart disease<\/a>, it is important to choose appropriate activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joint-friendly physical activities that are appropriate for adults with arthritis and heart disease include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A health care professional can help you find ways to live a healthful lifestyle and have a better quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A number of natural remedies have been suggested for different types of arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the organization Versus Arthritis, based in the United Kingdom (U.K.), some research has supported the use<\/a> of devil\u2019s claw, rosehip, and Boswellia, from the frankincense tree. Devil\u2019s claw<\/a> and Boswellia<\/a> supplements can be purchased online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is some evidenceTrusted Source<\/a> that turmeric may help, but more studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Various other herbs and spices have been recommended for RA, but again, more research is needed. They include<\/a> turmeric, garlic, ginger<\/a>, black pepper, and green tea<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of these herbs and spices are available to purchase online in supplement form, including turmeric<\/a>, ginger<\/a>, and garlic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone who is considering using natural remedies for any type of arthritis should speak to a doctor first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no single cause of all types of arthritis. The cause or causes vary according to the type or form of arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible causes may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most types of arthritis are linked to a combination of factors, but some have no obvious cause and appear to be unpredictable in their emergence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people may be genetically more likely to develop certain arthritic conditions. Additional factors, such as previous injury, infection, smoking and physically demanding occupations, can interact with genes to further increase the risk of arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diet and nutrition<\/a> can play a role in managing arthritis and the risk of arthritis, although specific foods, food sensitivities or intolerances are not known to cause arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Foods that increase inflammation, particularly animal-derived foods and diets high in refined sugar, can make symptoms worse, as can eating foods that provoke an immune system response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gout is one type of arthritis that is closely linked to diet, as it is caused by elevated levels of uric acid which can be a result of a diet high in purines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diets that contain high-purine foods, such as seafood, red wine, and meats, can trigger a gout flare-up. Vegetables and other plant foods that contain high levels of purines do not appear to exacerbate gout symptoms, however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain risk factors have been associated with arthritis. Some of these are modifiable while others are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Non-modifiable arthritis risk factors:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Modifiable arthritis risk factors:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFast facts on arthritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Treatment<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Medication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Natural remedies<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Foods to avoid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Self-management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Physical therapies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Physical activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Natural therapies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Causes<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Risk factors for arthritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n