Common types of arthritis in people over 60

Arthritis is a widespread condition, especially among people aged 60 and over.

While some level of discomfort can be a natural part of aging, ongoing or worsening symptoms may indicate a more serious problem that shouldn't be ignored.

To learn more, we spoke with Justine Musiime, a licensed physical therapist with a special interest in rehabilitation for older adults, about three of the most common types of arthritis in adulthood. She also shared some important insights on when to seek professional advice for symptoms and why early intervention is so important.

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis in older adults is osteoarthritis.

"Osteoarthritis is primarily the degeneration or wear and tear of the joint," explains Musiime. "It primarily affects the knees and hips, but can also affect other joints in the hands and spine."

In osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage at the ends of bones breaks down and bony growths can develop, according to the NHS website.

"The pain is usually worse in the morning," says Musiime. "So after someone sleeps, when they wake up, they often feel excruciating pain when trying to move. There may also be swelling."

“Sometimes people also hear a grinding noise when they try to move the affected joint.”

However, the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and between the different joints affected.

The exact cause is not known, but several things are believed to increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis, such as joint injuries, age, family history, and obesity, according to the NHS website.

Osteoarthritis is also more common in women than in men.

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Rheumatoid arthritis

“Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation,” explains Musiime.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can include swollen and painful joints, joint swelling and stiffness in the morning that lasts more than half an hour, intense tiredness, and a general feeling of malaise, according to Versus Arthritis.

Over time, this inflammation can damage the joints, cartilage, and nearby bones.

According to the NHS website, the condition usually affects the hands, feet, and wrists, and there may be periods when symptoms worsen, known as flare-ups or flare-ups.

The NHS website also states that a flare can be difficult to predict, but with treatment it is possible to reduce the number of flares and minimize or prevent long-term joint damage.

Although rheumatoid arthritis can affect adults of any age, it usually begins in people between the ages of 40 and 60, according to Versus Arthritis.

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"Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body," explains Musiime. This can lead to the formation of crystals around the joints, which causes pain, according to the NHS website.

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"This mainly affects the big toe, causing it to become swollen, painful, and sometimes red," Musiime notes. "Sometimes, you may also see peeling skin."

Things that can trigger a gout attack include an illness that causes a high fever, too much alcohol or a very large meal, dehydration, joint injury, or certain medications, according to the NHS website.

When should people seek help for their symptoms and why is it important?

"I think if people are experiencing symptoms, they should seek help as soon as possible. With the different types of arthritis, there are different ways to manage symptoms," says Musiime. "Arthritis can affect people's daily lives, even doing basic things like cooking, cleaning, and getting dressed. I've met arthritis patients who can't wash themselves."

“There is no cure for arthritis, but seeking professional advice can help manage symptoms and may also help slow progression.”

Medication is a common pain management strategy for arthritis.

"I always tell my patients that they need to take their prescribed pain reliever, as it can help relieve the pain," says Musiime. "This also means the medication will be in their system when they start or try to get up and walk."

“Patients with arthritis are often prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, but it's best to talk to your doctor to find the best medication for you.”

It is also very important to stay active.

"Swimming is good because being in the water means less pressure and pain on your joints, and walking is also very good," says Musiime. "But any exercise you enjoy is good, as long as it doesn't make the pain so unbearable that you can't function. Any movement of the joints and strengthening of the muscles around them are very important."

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