Arthritis
More than "old joints." Arthritis affects 1 in 4 adults and includes over 100 different conditions. The two most common—osteoarthritis (wear and tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune)—have very different causes but share the result: painful, inflamed joints. Understanding your type is key to effective treatment.
Major Types
Osteoarthritis (OA)
"Wear and tear." Cartilage breaks down over time. Affects knees, hips, hands, spine. Worse with activity, better with rest. Age, obesity, injury are risk factors. Most common form.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Autoimmune attack on joints. Affects small joints first (hands, wrists). Symmetric (both sides). Morning stiffness. Can affect organs too. Requires immune-modulating treatment.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Associated with psoriasis (skin condition). Autoimmune. Can affect any joint. "Sausage fingers" characteristic. Nail changes common.
Gout
Uric acid crystals in joints. Sudden, severe attacks. Big toe classic location. Triggered by diet, alcohol, dehydration. Very painful.
Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid
Osteoarthritis
- Cause: Mechanical wear, cartilage loss
- Pattern: Usually asymmetric
- Joints: Large, weight-bearing
- Stiffness: Brief, after rest
- Pain: Worse with activity
- Labs: Normal inflammatory markers
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Cause: Autoimmune attack on synovium
- Pattern: Symmetric (both sides)
- Joints: Small joints first (hands)
- Stiffness: Morning, >1 hour
- Pain: Better with movement
- Labs: RF+, Anti-CCP+, elevated CRP
Contributing Factors
Gut Dysbiosis
Gut-joint axis. Leaky gut → systemic inflammation. Microbiome linked to RA onset.
Chronic Inflammation
Inflammatory diet, seed oils, sugar. Feeds arthritis of all types.
Obesity
Mechanical stress + inflammatory cytokines from fat tissue. Major OA risk factor.
Infections
P. gingivalis (gum disease), EBV linked to RA. Molecular mimicry triggers.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Immune dysregulation. Low D linked to higher RA risk and worse outcomes.
Food Sensitivities
Gluten, dairy, nightshades for some. Elimination diet can help identify triggers.
Natural Support
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Anti-inflammatory. Fish oil 2-4g daily. Reduces joint stiffness and pain.
Curcumin
Potent anti-inflammatory. Studies show comparable to ibuprofen. Take with piperine.
Collagen
Type II for cartilage support. May help OA. UC-II specific formulation studied.
Movement
Low-impact exercise. Keeps joints mobile, strengthens supporting muscles. Don't stop moving.
Weight Management
Every pound lost = 4 pounds less force on knees. Huge impact on OA.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Mediterranean pattern. Remove processed foods, seed oils. Add colorful vegetables.