A child might ask, “what does arthritis feel like?” but if you are age 40 or older, you might already know. Popping in your knee when you walk down the stairs, stiffness in your hip when you get out of the car after a long drive, or pain and weakness in your hand when you try to open a jar are all common symptoms of arthritis.

Arthritis is a term for several conditions that cause pain and swelling in joints and the surrounding tissue. Parts of the body we use often, such as hands, knees, hips and spine, are typically affected. The location of stiffness and swelling can indicate which form of arthritis you have. What does arthritis feel like? It depends on you.

Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pain and stiffness in the joint are early signs of arthritis. Some of the most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Osteoarthritis refers to the breakdown in cartilage, the cushioning in our joints, and bone surfaces. Being overweight speeds its progression. Osteoarthritis affects neck, lower back, hands, hips and knees most often with pain, swelling and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an immune response that triggers chronic inflammation, joint pain and loss of function in different parts of the body. Swelling and other symptoms are often symmetrical: Both knees, both wrists or both hands are affected.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid, the by-product of breaking down purines—a chemical compound found in organ meat and red meat. When this process is out of balance, people with gout feel extreme pain in one joint, most often the big toe.

Self-Care for Arthritis Symptoms

When you have osteoarthritis pain, there are three things you can do to manage symptoms:

1. Reach and maintain a healthy weight to relieve pressure on joints.
2. Exercise with low-impact activities, including swimming, walking and cycling, to ease joint pain.
3. After being active, ice joints for up to 20 minutes to minimize swelling and pain.

Reaching a healthy weight and exercising are also good options for at-home care of rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups. Others include getting enough sleep, managing stress, caring for gum disease and quitting smoking.

For gout, avoiding alcohol and foods high in purines (organ meats, red meat and some seafood) and losing weight can help.

When to Get Help From a Physician

More than 53 million people are estimated to be living with arthritis symptoms in the U.S. If home care options are ineffective at managing your arthritis symptoms, talking with an orthopedic specialist is a good next step. An orthopedic provider at Union Health is here to help you keep moving.

He or she can order imaging, such as X-rays, or blood tests to help diagnose and assess what’s causing your arthritis pain. Depending on the results, treatment from prescription medication to joint replacement may be recommended.