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By: Valeria Garcia and Jaqueline Martinez

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The common term "arthritis" is used to describe joint pain or joint inflammation. It is not only one disease but an array of over 100 that have the same characteristics.

The three most common ones are:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Autoimmune Inflammatory Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Axial Spondylarthritis (axSpA)

Metabolic Arthritis (Gout)

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Chromosome 6 - Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)

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What causes the disorder and what gene or chromosome is affected?

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What causes the disorder and what gene or chromosome is affected?

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There are many hypotheses about what could be the causing factor of "arthritis"; however, scientists have yet to find a definitive answer.

Doctors and scientists believe that genetics significantly determine an individual's likelihood of developing arthritis. They also note that many environmental factors increment predisposition; for example, working in jobs that use the same joint movement over long periods, age, smoking, or being overweight. Although these examples may increase the probability of developing arthritis, scientists have yet to find a singular factor in all cases.

However, some recent studies have found that the genetic marker HLA-DR4 could be involved in determining if an individual is at risk of developing this disorder. A genetic marker is a small piece of DNA used to identify a place on a chromosome, similar to coordinates on a map that specify a location in the world. These studies have tied the HLA-DR4 antigen to various diseases, one being rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They have concluded that people with this genetic marker may have higher chances of developing RA in the future. This finding, however, has yet to be conclusive evidence of RA; thus, the search continues.

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Are there prenatal tests for this disorder? If so, how are they tested?

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Are there prenatal tests for this disorder? If so, how are they tested?

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Unfortunately, no prenatal tests can determine arthritis since the actual cause has yet to be found. However, once research has developed more, there may be a test to determine a baby's likelihood of developing arthritis in the future.

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A proper and accurate diagnosis is made by a rheumatologist, a doctor specializing in arthritis. For RA, a doctor would go through a list of steps to come to a diagnosis.
One would be a review of medical history—questions about pain, its severity, difficulty moving, and whether family members have a history of autoimmune diseases.
Then, blood tests are to look for inflammation and antibodies linked to RA. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an antibody found in about 80 percent of cases of RA.
The last step would be a series of imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRIs, that would show erosions at the joints. The imaging tests do not show results if the RA is at an early stage where the bone has yet to be damaged.

For OA, the steps are the same as for RA and many other types of arthritis. The only additional step is a test called joint aspiration. This test is done by inserting a needle into the affected joint and pulling out a fluid to look for infection.

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OA allows inheritance to be caused by mutations. 

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How does a person get this disorder? (Mutation or inherited?)

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How does a person get this disorder? (Mutation or inherited?)

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An individual is prone to either develop this disorder through inheritance or simply develop it without any ancestral background containing it; however, in most cases has a lower risk.

The most common type of arthritis, known as OA, contains the ability to develop through genetic mutations without fully possessing heredity from an ancestor. According to Cleveland Clinic, "there are hereditary forms of osteoarthritis that are caused by mutations in genes for collagen," causing perceptions of having multiple genes, which is also known as a multifactorial inheritance which is an effect from birth when there is a combination between both parents' genes. In most cases, environmental characteristics are influencers on this mutation, such as "obesity, joint injuries, aging, and joint anatomy. "

However, other types of arthritis, such as Rheumatoid, are classified as autoimmune diseases, meaning the body lacks natural defense systems that usually can tell the difference between your cells and foreign ones. This makes the idea of having this immune system become more prone to being genetically sparked by any of the following environmental factors; "infection, injury, or smoking."

In conclusion, although some factors might depict whether this disorder is developed through mutations, solely. Some arthritis can be genetically passed down through family generations, which is why it is important to understand that this disorder is not just focused on being developed through either mutations or inheritance because it really depends on the type.

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What are the symptoms/effects on the individual with this disorder? 

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What are the symptoms/effects on the individual with this disorder? 

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As mentioned, arthritis is a generic term for many joint pain disorders, but many have a similar outlook. The two most common and affecting in the US population are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage between bones begins to wear down over time, and the bone changes, causing inflammation and pain. The CDC reports OA affects over 32.5 million adults in the US and is thus the most common form of arthritis.

Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion, progressively worsening over time. These symptoms may occur in any joints, but some of the most affected are weight-impacted ones, for example, the knees and hips. Movement creates a feeling of "grating" at these joints, which causes an individual significant pain and swelling.

The second most common form of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune inflammatory disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. The attacked joint receives chemicals that inflame it, making movement very difficult.

Symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling, and smaller joints, such as fingers and wrists, are affected first. Over time, the damaged tissue can incur an irreversible deformity on these small joints and "long-lasting chronic pain (CDC,2022)."

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Osteoarthritis (OA) is most common in women. 

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Which population is affected? (Males, females, certain ethnicities, etc?)

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Which population is affected? (Males, females, certain ethnicities, etc?)

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Identifying which population is more susceptible to this disease has been difficult. Researchers have yet to find a direct factor that may put a particular population at more risk than others. However, researchers observed that women are more prone to this disease.

According to Felicia Messimer's article, "Why are Women More Prone to Arthritis," testosterone is a likely factor. She explains that testosterone helps build muscle and thus can lower the risk of arthritis if the joints have more muscle support. Although women also have testosterone, men produce up to 15 times more than women. This makes women's joints more susceptible to arthritis.

Another possibility is women's hormonal differences. Although women contain some testosterone levels, they have more estrogen, a group of sex hormones. These sex hormones are responsible for the female's reproductive system but also reduce inflammation. Low estrogen levels can lead to more inflammation in the joints and the likelihood of osteoarthritis.

However, just because men contain testosterone does not mean this disease won't affect them. Another type of arthritis that is common in men is called Gout. Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints one at a time, usually targeting the toe area. The pain is generally caused by having too much uric acid, which crystallizes and deposits the joints. The cause of having less uric acid is the cause of why women are less prone to develop this disorder than men.

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For RA, it is best to get diagnosed early, as soon as symptoms begin. An early diagnosis is the best option to treat and adequately manage the disease. Treatment for RA uses disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which reduce inflammation, forcing the symptoms into remission.
There are three types of DMARDs:
1) Conventional Synthetic: Slow-acting and for less severe cases.
2) Biological Therapies: They work by blocking cells from triggering inflammation and tend to work faster than conventional DMARDs.
3) Targeted Synthetic: Target and blocks the specific enzyme identified with RA called Janus kinase (JAK).

Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. What doctors tend to treat are the symptoms through therapy and painkillers. As a last resort, patients can undergo surgery if other treatment options have not been effective.

Changes in lifestyles are also recommended to manage the symptoms of arthritis. Such changes involve muscle training and therapy surrounding the affected joints, weight loss, stretching, and supportive devices such as crutches to ease the stress on joints.

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What is the long-term outlook for an individual with this disorder?

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What is the long-term outlook for an individual with this disorder?

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For RA, keeping up with treatments and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can diminish the symptoms. Overall, one can lead a comfortable life if one maintains a proper weight, exercises regularly, has a healthy diet, and quits any unhealthy habits such as smoking. For best results, it is also recommended that an individual does not continue a career that overuses a particular joint if diagnosed with RA.

Since osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, it will continue to deteriorate as time goes by. Scientists have yet to find the reason for its progressiveness; therefore, no therapies have been found that can effectively stop it. Like RA, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to control its unfortunate fate.

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What is the current status of research on this disorder?

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What is the current status of research on this disorder?

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Based on research at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, it has come to the attention that most forms of arthritis are developed through immune-system mediated damage, which has the ability to strike at any time. Immune-system-mediated damage simply results from abnormal activity within your immune cells. In most cases, it will act aggressively upon the body, causing immense inflammation or, in other cases, losing the ability to fight against tumor cells.

As Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the main to be examined and tested, researchers have focused on biomarker identification to cover any risk factors and subtypes. The Johns Hopkins Arthritis center has had many years researching this disorder entirely, but in condensed form, they mentioned having “studies on exercise and lifestyle interventions, understanding individual patient preferences, how pain is perceived and moderated, oral health conditions, lung disease in arthritis, improving how [they] evaluate disease activity with patient-reported outcomes, and clinical trials of investigational agents, including stem cell therapy.”

Their studies have allowed for new therapies to be developed which can help different arthritis patients. And hopefully, in the future, a solution to the disease will be found.

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The Arthritis Foundation has a helpline where one can get in contact with licensed experts. They are there to help and answer any questions. The website also offers an abundance of information about arthritis, the many types that exist, possible treatment options, and better lifestyle decisions to improve health and well-being.

For more info visit the website:
https://www.arthritis.org/helpline

Phone Number: 1-800-283-7800

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We Are Here For You - 1.800.283.7800

We're here to provide support when you need it most. Our licensed, clinical social worker and trained staff - including a Spanish-speaking expert - understand arthritis and are available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday. Available times on holidays may vary. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.

How to Use the Helpline

The Arthritis Foundation's Helpline consists of a team of trained staff, including a licensed, clinical social worker. Our Helpline representatives understand arthritis and have helped thousands of people like you. We have a Spanish-speaking expert, too. And we've secured a translation service that gives us the opportunity to service constituents in 250+ other languages.

Have you ever had an arthritis-related question but were in-between doctor's appointments or just forgot to ask your doctor? Have you encountered an insurance issue you need help with? Or do you need help finding a local health care professional or service provider? We'll try our best to help! But we cannot diagnose your arthritis, or prescribe medications or procedures, or recommend which treatment or lifestyle options to try. For those, please consult a physician for advice. Or call 911 if it's an emergency.

​When you call our toll-free number, we'll either answer immediately, or you can leave a message for a callback, usually within one business day. Or fill out our online form describing your inquiry; we will respond ASAP (usually within one business day). After assessing your question(s), we may provide a referral to one of our arthritis peer volunteers as needed. Each volunteer is trained to listen without judgment and provide the best support possible.

Para mejorar nuestro apoyo a las comunidades que hablan español, ahora tenemos un especialista bilingüe que habla español e inglés con fluidez. Si se siente más cómodo hablando en español cuando llame, seleccione esa opción en el menú principal. O hágale saber al representante que responde que prefiere comunicarse en español, y será transferido a nuestro especialista, o le devolverán la llamada lo antes posible.

Can't Call?

Submit Your Questions Online

If you're unable to call or if it's outside of our business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday, submit your questions or needs in this form, in English, Spanish or another language, and we'll respond by the next business day.

Fill Out Form

Understanding Arthritis

Read about the latest treatments and self-care tips, as well as the best pain management solutions for all types of arthritis.

Because of donors like you.

Thanks to the support of our generous donors, the Arthritis Foundation is leading efforts to have a real impact on arthritis patients today - and could lead to new treatments, prevention or even a cure tomorrow.

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Learn about state-based consumer assistance programs that help people on Medicare and Medicaid get the best coverage.

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Understand Your Access to Care

Understand your health insurance options, the coverage you need to manage your arthritis well and how to deal with claim denials.

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Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

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Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more.

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you'll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community.
Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families.
How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you're showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You're helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people's lives, including your own.

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As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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We're here to provide support when you need it most. Our licensed, clinical social worker and trained staff - including a Spanish-speaking expert - understand arthritis and are available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday. Available times on holidays may vary. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.

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“Arthritis Research at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.” Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, 12 Feb. 2020, https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-research/.

“Arthritis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 Sept. 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772.

“Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS).” Versus Arthritis, https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/disease-modifying-anti-rheumatic-drugs-dmards/.

“Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Genetic or Hereditary?” Pfizer, https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/is_rheumatoid_arthritis_genetic_or_hereditary#.

Messimer, Felicia, et al. “Why Are Women More Prone to Arthritis.” Campbell County Health, 11 Sept. 2019, https://www.cchwyo.org/news/2019/september/why-are-women-more-prone-to-arthritis/.

“Osteoarthritis (OA).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 July 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm#.

“Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment: Arthritis Foundation.” Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment | Arthritis Foundation, https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis.

“Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 7 Apr. 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis.html.

“Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment: Arthritis Foundation.” Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment | Arthritis Foundation, https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/rheumatoid-arthritis.

Team, Chronic Conditions. “Is Arthritis Hereditary?” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 5 Apr. 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-arthritis-hereditary/.

“What Is Arthritis? Is It Genetic? What Are the Types of Arthritis?” WebMD, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/understanding-arthritis-basics.

“What Is Arthritis?: Arthritis Foundation.” What Is Arthritis? | Arthritis Foundation, https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.

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Women may be more prone to more arthritis than men, but it often occurs later in life.