Arthritis inflammation is an uncomfortable condition, causing pain and swelling in and around the joints. It is no secret that arthritis makes daily activities challenging. While there are many types of arthritis that cause inflammation, the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. How do they cause swelling, and what can you do about it?
Function of Healthy Joints
Your joints are designed to work like well-oiled machines, literally. A joint is a juncture of bones, protected by cartilage and lubricated by nutrient-rich fluid. Joints allow your body to move, and are powered by muscles, tendons and ligaments. Arthritic joints, however, often have damage and do not work as efficiently as they should. This can lead to joint swelling, or arthritis inflammation. The cause of arthritis inflammation, or swelling in one or more joints, depends on the type of arthritis you have.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis caused by joint wear and tear. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that normally protects the joints breaks down. Without the normal protective coating, the joints do not absorb impact as well, and create more friction during normal movements. Bones rub together, and tiny spurs may form within the joints. Osteoarthritis joint swelling is often worse after activity, when extra fluid rushes to the area to try and "repair" the damage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Another common type of arthritis that causes inflammation is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder. Its cause is not entirely understood, but it tricks the body into attacking its own joints and tissues. In rheumatoid arthritis, the joint tissues themselves (such as the cartilage) become swollen, causing excessive fluid to enter the area. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis inflammation is often worse after rest. In fact, it is usually at its peak when you wake up in the morning.
Features of Arthritis Inflammation
When a joint has arthritis inflammation, the body's immune cells release fluid to "fix" the problem and get rid of foreign materials that might be present in the joints. As a result, swollen joints have a particular look and feel. The fluid causes more blood to flow to the joint, which can make it appear pink or red in color. It may also feel warm to the touch. Arthritis inflammation increases pressure in and around the joints, which can not only cause discomfort and pain, but often limits joint movement.
Prevention of Arthritis Inflammation
While arthritis inflammation cannot be fully prevented, there are a few things you can do to make it more manageable. First, make sure that you take any prescribed medications. Anti-inflammatory medications and steroids, often used to treat arthritis, can keep inflammation from becoming severe. Gentle, low impact exercise can also help reduce inflammation by encouraging surrounding blood vessels to re-absorb excess fluid. Learning to protect your joints from excessive wear during day-to-day activities can also help control arthritis inflammation. Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about ways to manage your arthritis inflammation.
