Arthritis: What to Know About Joint Pain and How to Find Relief

Joint pain can make everyday tasks feel harder than they should. You might notice stiffness in the morning, trouble opening a jar, or aches that slow you down during the day. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of ongoing joint pain. In fact, more than 50 million adults in the U.S. have some form of arthritis, according to the CDC.

The good news is that there are ways to manage symptoms and stay active. Understanding what’s causing your symptoms is the first step toward feeling better.

What is arthritis

Arthritis is not just one disease. It is a general term for more than 100 joint conditions.

These conditions can cause:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Reduced movement in the joints

Anyone can develop arthritis, but it is more common in adults over 65.

The two most common types of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): Osteoarthritis is often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis. Over time, the cushion between your bones breaks down. This causes bones to rub together, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. This means the immune system attacks the joints by mistake. It can cause swelling, pain and joint damage over time.

What causes arthritis

The cause of arthritis depends on the type, but some factors can increase your risk:

• Age: Joints wear down over time
• Family history: Some types run in families
• Past injuries: Old joint injuries can lead to arthritis later
• Extra weight: Adds stress to joints like the knees and hips
• Repetitive movements: Certain jobs or activities can strain joints

Understanding your risk can help guide your care and treatment. Talk with your primary care doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP) about any risks you might have.

Common symptoms

Arthritis symptoms can vary, but you may notice:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Swelling
• Trouble moving a joint
• Reduced range of motion

These symptoms may come and go or get worse over time.

Treatment options

There is no cure for most types of arthritis, but many treatments can help reduce your pain and improve movement.

Over-the-counter medications:

• Pain relievers: Medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) help block pain and reduce discomfort
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medicines like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) help with both pain and swelling.
• Topical creams and gels: Applied directly to the joint to provide localized relief for pain and stiffness

Always talk to your doctor or APP before starting new medications, especially if you have kidney, stomach, or heart concerns or are being treated with prescription medications.

Lifestyle and therapy:

Healthy habits can make a big difference in helping to reduce your pain and stiffness from arthritis. This can include:

• Physical therapy: Improves strength and flexibility through simple stretches
• Weight management: Reduces stress on joints
• Assistive devices: Canes or braces can make movement easier
• Heat and cold therapy: Helps with stiffness and swelling
• Low-impact exercise: Walking, swimming or yoga can keep joints moving

Advanced treatments:

If your symptoms are more severe or not improving, your doctor or APP may recommend:

• Prescription medications
• Injections
• Surgery, such as joint replacement

These options can help improve your mobility and quality of life. Talk with your doctor or APP to determine which treatment option is best for you.

How your doctor or APP can help

You don’t have to manage arthritis alone. Your primary care doctor or APP can help you by:

• Identifying the cause of your symptoms
• Ordering tests like X-rays or blood work
• Creating a treatment plan
• Connecting you with specialists if needed
• Monitoring your progress over time

Regular check-ins with them can help keep your symptoms under control and your care plan up to date. It is also a good idea to reach out to your doctor or APP if you:

• Have ongoing joint pain or stiffness
• Notice swelling that doesn’t go away
• Have trouble with daily activities
• Feel like your symptoms are getting worse

Living with arthritis can feel challenging, but there are ways to manage it and stay active. With the right care, healthy habits, and support from your doctor or APP, you can reduce pain and keep doing the things you enjoy.

If you’re noticing symptoms, don’t wait. Taking the first step toward care can make a real difference in preventing further joint damage and improving your quality of life.

*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

To schedule an appointment with nurse practitioner Melissa Hardt, please contact Village Medical - Memorial Clinical Associates at 713-407-3000 or visit us at 16001 Park Ten Pl., Suite 300, Houston, TX 77084. We look forward to caring for you and supporting your health every step of the way.