Can young people get arthritis?

Yes, arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common type in children, and rheumatoid arthritis frequently begins between ages 30 and 60. Early diagnosis and treatment are important at any age.

Does cracking your knuckles cause arthritis?

Multiple studies have found no link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. The sound is caused by gas bubbles popping in the joint fluid, not by joint damage. However, habitual cracking may reduce grip strength over time.

Is exercise good or bad for arthritis?

Regular, gentle exercise is one of the best things you can do for arthritis. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and cycling strengthen the muscles around joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Inactivity can actually worsen stiffness and weakness.

MusculoskeletalICD-10: M19.90Affects over 54 million adults in the United States

Arthritis

Also known as: Joint Inflammation, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease

Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that cause joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common types. Osteoarthritis results from wear-and-tear damage to joint cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks joint linings. Arthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide and can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.

Symptoms

Joint pain and tenderness

Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity

Swelling around affected joints

Reduced range of motion

Redness and warmth around joints

Joint deformity in advanced cases

Fatigue (especially in rheumatoid arthritis)

Crepitus (grinding or crackling sensation in joints)

Causes

Cartilage breakdown from aging and repetitive use (osteoarthritis)
Autoimmune attack on joint synovium (rheumatoid arthritis)
Crystal deposition in joints (gout, pseudogout)
Joint infection (septic arthritis)
Genetic predisposition

Risk Factors

Age (risk increases with age)
Female sex (rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women)
Family history of arthritis
Obesity (excess weight stresses joints)
Previous joint injury
Occupations involving repetitive joint movements

Diagnosis

Physical examination of joint tenderness, swelling, and range of motion
X-rays to reveal cartilage loss and bone changes
MRI for detailed imaging of soft tissues and early damage
Blood tests (RF, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP for inflammatory arthritis)
Joint fluid analysis (arthrocentesis)

Treatment

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain and inflammation
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis
Biologic therapies (TNF inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors)
Corticosteroid injections for acute flares
Physical therapy and exercise programs
Joint replacement surgery for severe cases

Prevention

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress
Exercise regularly with low-impact activities (swimming, cycling)
Protect joints from injury during sports and physical activity
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids

When to See a Doctor

Joint pain or stiffness persists for more than a few weeks
Joints become swollen, red, or warm without explanation
Joint symptoms are progressively limiting your daily activities
You experience sudden, severe joint pain, especially with fever

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related from the Supplement Library

Turmeric

Strong

Herb · Reduces systemic inflammation (NF-κB pathway)

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)

Strong

Fatty Acid · Cardiovascular health (TG reduction, anti-arrhythmic)

Boswellia

Moderate

Herb · Anti-inflammatory (5-LOX inhibition)

Ginger

Strong

Herb · Anti-nausea (motion, pregnancy, chemotherapy)

Glucosamine

Moderate

Compound · Cartilage health and matrix formation

These supplements have been studied in relation to Arthritis. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications.

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Content reviewed against peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical guidelines. Read our editorial standards.