Arthritis is very common, but we do not understand it well. In fact, “arthritis” is not a single disease, but is often used informally to refer to joint pain or joint disease. According to statistics, there are over 100 different types of arthritis and related disorders, and individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnicities can and must suffer from arthritis. The disease is very common in women, is more likely to occur with age, and is a major disabling factor. Arthritis mainly affects the hip, knee, fingers, and spine, and symptoms usually include swelling, pain, stiffness, limited motion, and deformity. Symptoms can be mild and severe, and may last for several years, but may also progress and worsen. Severe arthritis can lead to chronic pain, limited daily activities, and difficulty walking or walking up and down stairs. Arthritis may cause permanent joint changes that may be obvious, such as nodular enlargement of the finger joints, but often these destructive changes can only be detected on radiographs. Certain types of arthritis affect not only the joints but also the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys and skin. There are several main types of arthritis 1. Degenerative arthritis, also called osteoarthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. Joint discomfort occurs when the smooth and shock-absorbing cartilage that covers the surface of the bone begins to wear away. When the cartilage wears down so badly that the bone rubs against the bone, it causes pain, swelling and stiffness. As the disease progresses, the joints are no longer strong and powerful, and the pain may evolve into chronic pain. Risk factors include being overweight, family history, aging, and a history of previous trauma (e.g., meniscus, ACL injury, etc.). For mild to moderate arthritis, try the following: rest; lifestyle modifications; physical therapy (ice or heat packs); regular exercise; maintaining a healthy weight; strengthening the muscles around the joint; applying assistive devices (canes, crutches, or walkers); taking pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs; and avoiding excessive repetitive movements (constant repetitive squats, etc.). If joint symptoms are severe, causing significant limitation of movement and seriously affecting quality of life, the above treatments may be helpful, but artificial joint replacement surgery may need to be considered. Exercising appropriately, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trauma and repetitive injurious activities, and avoiding unhealthy lifestyles can prevent osteoarthritis to some extent. 2. Inflammatory arthritis A healthy immune system has a protective role, producing an intrinsic inflammatory response to remove infection and prevent disease. But the immune system can make mistakes and mistakenly attack the joints, causing an uncontrollable inflammatory response that can potentially cause joint damage and sometimes damage to internal organs, the eyes and other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are examples. Research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can trigger autoimmunity. In some individuals with genetic predisposition, smoking is an environmental risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis. In autoimmune and inflammatory arthritis, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are essential. Reducing and delaying the activity of the disease can help reduce or even stop permanent joint damage. Symptom relief can be achieved by taking one or more medications. The goal of treating the disease is to reduce pain, improve function and stop further joint damage. 3. Infectious arthritis Bacteria, viruses or fungi can enter the joints and provoke an inflammatory response. For example, in cases of food contamination or food poisoning, Salmonella or Shigella may cause joint infection; in the case of sexually transmitted diseases, the joint infection may be Chlamydia or gonorrhea infection; and blood-to-blood transmission of infection from shared needles or blood transfusions may cause joint hepatitis C infection. In many cases, prompt treatment with antibiotics can clear the joint infection, but sometimes the arthritis can migrate into chronicity. 4. Metabolic arthritis The most common form is gouty arthritis. Purines are present in many foods and human cells, and when purines are metabolized, uric acid is produced. Some people have high levels of uric acid in their bodies because they produce too much uric acid or their bodies cannot remove it quickly enough. The uric acid collects in the body and forms pinpoint crystals in the joints, causing sudden, severe pain in the joints and a gout attack. Gout comes and goes. If uric acid levels cannot be lowered, gout becomes chronic, causing persistent joint pain and limited function. Diagnosis of Arthritis The diagnosis of arthritis often begins with a visit to the primary care physician. After the patient is seen, the doctor begins a physical examination and may do relevant blood tests and imaging scans to help determine the type of arthritis. If the diagnosis is unclear, or if the arthritis is inflammatory, the patient should see an arthritis specialist. Orthopedic surgeons treat end-stage joint disease primarily through surgery, including the application of artificial joint replacement surgery. When arthritis affects other systems or other parts of the body, such as ophthalmology, dermatology or dentistry, they should be involved in the treatment. How to deal with arthritis? Arthritis is a common and not precisely understood disease. There are many steps we can take to preserve joint function, maintain joint motion characteristics, and enjoy a high quality of life. It is critical to understand the disease properly, choose appropriate treatment, adopt a scientific and healthy lifestyle and behavior, devote time to appropriate physical activity and maintain a healthy weight. If you are suffering from joint disease and are not receiving the desired treatment, it is recommended that you see a joint specialist.