Arthritis: Information & Find a Doctor for Arthritis

Arthritis (ICD code: M13) is inflammation of the joints. If only one joint is affected by arthritis, it is called monoarthritis. If multiple joints are affected, the technical term is polyarthritis.

The following symptoms may occur with joint inflammation:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Limited range of motion

In addition, the skin may feel noticeably warm, especially when

• the knee joint,
• the elbow joint, or
• the ankle joint

are affected.

Those affected often suffer from a general feeling of illness and severe discomfort. In children, for example, a lack of interest in playing could be a warning sign.

Arthritis must be distinguished from osteoarthritis: Despite similar terms, these are completely different conditions, even though both lead to joint pain. Osteoarthritis refers to the wear and tear of cartilage in the joint. The causes, progression, and treatment are usually quite different. 

Germs can cause bacterial and purulent joint inflammation. They can enter the body, for example,

• through surgeries,
• injections, or
• following injuries

.

This form of joint inflammation must be treated immediately, as in extreme cases it can lead to sepsis (blood poisoning). Under certain circumstances, this can be life-threatening.

Watch the video to see how inflammation damages the cartilage and bone of a joint:

Other forms of arthritis are caused by rheumatism or metabolic disorders. In gout, uric acid metabolism is disrupted. As the disease progresses, there are recurring flare-ups during which the joints swell severely and become painful.

Psoriasis can also lead to arthritis. However, diagnosis is very difficult in this case, as the joints may be affected long before any external signs appear on the skin.

In addition, there are special forms of arthritis. These include, for example, Lyme arthritis, which is caused by Lyme disease. Reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter’s syndrome, is also rare. It is caused by a bacterial infection

• in the gastrointestinal tract,
• the urinary tract, or
• the genital organs

.

Because there are so many possible causes of joint inflammation, it is important to determine the exact cause. Only by carefully treating the underlying causes can arthritis be successfully managed.

In cases of bacterial arthritis, the doctor must know exactly which bacteria caused the inflammation. A joint aspiration is recommended for this purpose. During the procedure, the doctor takes samples from the inflamed tissue. This allows the bacteria to be identified and the medication regimen to be adjusted accordingly.

If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, X-rays can show the inflammation in the joints. Blood tests may also provide clues in the best-case scenario. However, under certain circumstances, the test results may not provide precise information about the cause.

The inflammatory markers themselves—such as white blood cell count or CRP (C-reactive protein)—are, on the other hand, quite easy to identify.

The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying causes and the symptoms caused by the disease. In the acute stage, elevating the affected limb and applying cold can provide some pain relief. If the pain becomes too severe, medication may also be prescribed.

The doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These contain active ingredients such as diclofenac or ibuprofen. Sometimes, cortisone is also recommended. If bacteria are the cause, the patient is given antibiotics.

In some cases, the body “fights against itself,” thereby promoting inflammation. In such cases, medications that suppress the body’s own immune system are necessary.

Repeated joint lavage may also be indicated. Depending on the extent of the inflammation, the lavage must be performed multiple times—in some cases, arthroscopically every two days.

Physical therapy may be necessary if the symptoms lead to restricted movement or even joint stiffness.

If the joint and its surrounding structures are too severely damaged, an artificial joint may need to be implanted.

Diet plays a major role when gout or rheumatoid arthritis is the underlying cause. With the right diet, medication may even become unnecessary.

If you suffer from gout, you should largely avoid foods high in purines. This lowers uric acid levels. Specialists can help you put together a so-called “gout diet.”