Arthritis: Is It an Autoimmune Disease, Types and Manifestations

Arthritis is an umbrella term for joint diseases of an inflammatory nature: pain, swelling, poor flexion. Some forms are linked to age, injury, or metabolism, others to a fault in the immune system. Let's break down the mechanism step by step.

What arthritis and polyarthritis are

Any damage to a joint — the place where two bones meet — is often called arthritis. Typical manifestations: pain, redness, warmth, and inflammation (swelling), restricted mobility. Over time, a swollen joint can be seriously damaged, and some types of arthritis also affect other organs — the eyes or skin. If inflammation involves one joint, it is called arthritis; if several, polyarthritis. Imagine that a joint is a door with hinges: while the lubrication is normal, it moves easily, but with inflammation the hinges "swell up" and the door sticks.

Arthritis as an autoimmune disease

Autoimmune arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells of the body itself. The most common representative is rheumatoid arthritis; it is based on autoimmune disorders with the production of rheumatoid factor and immune complex processes leading to synovitis. The proliferation of granulation tissue in the synovial membrane gradually destroys cartilage and the subchondral parts of bones, erosions (usures) form, followed by fibrous and bony ankylosis. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not reliably known; the immunogenetic theory is popular — a genetically determined defect of the immune system with a pathological reaction to triggering factors.

Types of arthritis

By origin, a distinction is made between osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, septic arthritis, gout and pseudogout, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Still's disease, spondylitis, as well as arthritis in other diseases — lupus, psoriasis, reactive, in hepatitis, borreliosis. In rheumatoid arthritis, erosions (usures) form in the bone, cartilage and bone are destroyed, and subluxations and contractures are possible.

• Osteoarthritis — the most common type, usually begins after age 40, favors the knees and feet.
• Gout — more often the big toe, risk increases with age.
• Rheumatoid arthritis — small joints of the hands and feet, usually diagnosed at 40–60 years.
• Ankylosing spondylitis — pain and stiffness in the lower back, onset before age 40.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis — in children under 16 years.

Early signs and flare-ups of arthritis

The onset of arthritis is pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint that make movement difficult. Any joint can be affected, but the wrists, hands and fingers, ankles and feet, back, knees, and hips are more often affected. Symptoms sometimes intensify sharply — this is a flare-up, and it can last several days. The doctor clarifies the time of onset and the rate of disease development, morning stiffness, and "locking" of the joint after immobility.

Arthritis in women, men, and older people: hand joints

The risk of many types of arthritis increases with age; some types are more common in women, others in men. The joints of the hands and fingers can be affected; rheumatoid arthritis usually first manifests in the small joints of the hands and feet. Doctors use a division into degrees, and it is assessed by examination and imaging.

When to see a rheumatologist

People see a doctor if unexplained pain, swelling, or stiffness does not resolve within a few days. If rheumatoid arthritis or gout is suspected, the patient is referred to a rheumatologist. Examinations include blood tests, X-ray or ultrasound, and sometimes analysis of joint fluid.

Urgent medical attention is needed if sharp pain and swelling arise suddenly in one joint, the skin over it is red or hot, the pain does not resolve with painkillers, there is fever, chills, red eyes or vision problems, pain on urination, or a rash on the genitals.

On its own, it is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — for a life-threatening condition (according to the general signs of emergencies).

This material is for reference: it explains the mechanism but does not replace a doctor's consultation — joints like an accurate diagnosis.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer