Arthritis is a general term that encompasses many joint conditions. There is currently no cure for arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to 58.5 million adults in the United States have varying forms of arthritis, of which there are more than 100 different types.

Three of the most common types of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Arthritis symptoms can vary based on the type of arthritis you have. In general, all arthritis types cause symptoms that include: 

• Pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Stiffness
• Swelling

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease, and it causes joint cartilage to break down from wear and tear over time. Osteoarthritis can affect joints throughout the body but typically affects the hands, hips, knees, and spine. The symptoms vary depending on where osteoarthritis appears. For example:

• Arthritis in the hands can cause pain and swelling in the joints.
• Arthritis in the hips can cause stiffness and a clicking sound in the hip joint.
• Arthritis in the knees can cause joint instability and/or a grinding sound or sensation.
• Arthritis in the spine can cause swelling or tenderness and grinding when moving the spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and can affect more than one joint at a time. Your immune system attacks your healthy joints and causes inflammation and pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weakness
• Weight loss

Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint deformity or can cause limited ranges of motion.

Psoriatic arthritis develops in a small percentage of people who have psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that affects the skin. Like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. 

Signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:

• Crumbling of fingernails or toenails or the formation of tiny dents in nails
• Fatigue
• Inflammation of the eye that leads to pain, redness, and blurry vision
• Swelling of a finger or toe

If you live with arthritis, the main goal of treatment is to manage pain, minimize joint damage and increase your quality of life. Effective treatments for pain include medications, injections, and, as a last resort, joint replacement surgery.

Fortunately, to keep arthritis from progressing further, there are things you can do at home to manage your condition.

Arthritis can be a painful condition. Because of this pain, your quality of life may decrease and your ability to do normal daily activities may be impacted. Your primary care provider may recommend medications – prescription or over-the-counter – for you to take daily or offer joint injections that can alleviate pain. However, the following self-care tips can help you manage pain if you want to avoid medications:

• Do some gentle stretches to work out the stiffness in your joints.
• Try using a heating pad or electric blanket or taking a warm shower, as heat can help your joints feel better.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with, and you may notice a range of unpleasant emotions when you experience persistent pain or are unable to do the things you used to enjoy. Sometimes, your emotions can even make your physical symptoms feel worse. It's important to take care of your emotional well-being. You can do this by:

• Attending therapy
• Finding hobbies that don't require much movement
• Going to support groups
• Practicing mindfulness and meditation
• Talking to friends and family

Physical activity can help reduce pain and maintain joint mobility. While exercise can't reverse the damage already done, it can help slow the progression of your arthritis. Focus on low-impact, joint-friendly movements, such as walking, cycling, and swimming. You can adapt your exercise plan as your arthritis symptoms and other health conditions allow.

Exercise also helps you lose weight – and extra weight can worsen arthritis pain. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or, if you're able, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. That may sound like a lot, but every little bit helps. Short spurts of 10 minutes can help you reach your goal gradually.

Like exercise, a healthy diet can help you lose any excess weight that adds stress to your joints and increases your pain. Some foods can also help with inflammation.

While there is no diet specific for arthritis, you may find it helpful to incorporate these foods into your diet:

• At least 3 to 4 ounces of fish twice a week for the omega-3 fatty acids or 600-1000mg of fish oil supplements daily to help with inflammation.
• Beans
• Nuts and seeds
• Olive oil
• A variety of fruits and vegetables

Lack of sleep can worsen pain symptoms, but arthritis pain can make getting a good night's sleep difficult. This can turn into a vicious cycle that can make it hard to manage your condition.

The CDC recommends adults between 18-60 get seven hours of sleep or more every night. To hit this target, try going to bed at the same time every day, including weekends. You should also turn off any electronic devices and avoid caffeine at night. If you're having difficulty getting enough sleep at night, talk to your primary care provider about whether you need a sleep study.

If your arthritis symptoms or any related stressors are too much to handle on your own, reach out to your primary care provider. He or she can refer you to a physical therapist, who can teach you stretches and exercises and offer other treatments that can reduce your pain. You may also benefit from treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, that can teach you new ways of thinking about your pain so it has less of an impact on your mental health.