Today is World Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis Day. When most people think of arthritis, they tend to think of osteoarthritis. Started in 2012 by the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis, the purpose of today is to raise awareness of autoimmune arthritis and, hopefully, get people diagnosed sooner.
Isn’t arthritis a normal part of aging?
We tend to associate arthritis with old age. According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, 74% of older adults surveyed believe that “arthritis and joint pain are a normal part of aging.” This was especially true for older adults who were already living with joint pain (80%) compared to older adults not living with joint pain (60%). Osteoarthritis (the most common type of arthritis) is caused by the cushy cartilage between bones wearing out as we age, but that does not mean that every older adult will inevitably be diagnosed with arthritis.
Rheumatoid (RA) vs Osteoarthritis
- RA happens when our immune system attacks our joints because it, wrongly, identifies them as threats (this is what RA is also called autoimmune arthritis). Osteoarthritis happens over time as wear and tear on our joints adds up over a lifetime.
- Scientists aren’t sure yet what causes RA, although risk factors include genetics, smoking, and obesity. Osteoarthritis tends to be caused by repetitive strains on joints (e.g., playing a sport) or by having an injury that never healed correctly.
- With RA you feel the pain in the same place on both sides of your body (symmetrical). Osteoarthritis tends to focus on a joint (usually the knee, fingers, hands, spine, or hips).
Common Symptoms (Autoimmune/Autoinflammatory)
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Flares (symptoms getting worse for a period of time)
- Flu-like symptoms (e.g., nausea, muscle weakness, etc.)
- Joint pain
- Stiffness (worse after rest or being inactive)
- Swelling
When to See a Doctor
- If you have pain that lasts longer than a week.
- If the pain is bad enough that it keeps you from your usual activities.
- If you experience stiffness that’s getting worse.
- If you suddenly have trouble moving a joint.
- If you have flare ups that are happening more often or becoming worse.
- If you experience a skin rash, swelling, or fever.
Resources
- AiArthritis Patient Journey via International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis
- Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Hotline: 800-283-7800
- Arthritis Aquatics via Ann Arbor YMCA (734) 996-9622
- Live Yes! Connect Groups via National Arthritis Foundation
- Michigan Medicine Rheumatology Clinic (734) 764-6831
- Trinity Health Rheumatology (Chelsea) (734) 426-1931