Does Arthritis Always Get Worse with Age?

There are over 100 types of arthritis, each with an underlying cause that may or may not progress with age. For instance, gout is an extremely painful, somewhat common type of arthritis that might only occur once in a lifetime.

On the other hand, osteoarthritis is connected to joint degeneration that frequently occurs with aging. Regardless of type, millions in the United States experience inflammation, joint pain, and decreased mobility related to arthritis.

At Advanced Pain Management in Castro Valley, California, our focus is on managing pain with nonsurgical solutions that relieve discomfort and improve mobility. Our team, led by specialist Ravi Panjabi, MD, is also committed to limiting or preventing future issues whenever possible.

Read more about the factors that influence the progression of arthritis, how age plays a role, and how we can help counter those effects.

Understanding arthritis

Arthritis can affect people of all ages. The two most common types are:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

OA, by far the most common form of arthritis, results from the wear-and-tear of cartilage cushioning the ends of bones within joints.

Without attention, stiffness, pain, swelling, and decreased joint function worsen as cartilage deteriorates. Over time, cartilage can wear away completely, causing significant pain and disability as bone rubs against bone.

Frequently related to aging, OA can also develop following a traumatic joint injury or overuse during sports, hobbies, or work activities. Athletes, for instance, can develop early joint degeneration due to an overly aggressive training program.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and, eventually, significant joint damage. 

The mainstay of RA treatment is protecting joints and stalling its progression with medication and other therapies that inhibit the faulty immune response.

How age affects arthritis

Age can affect your joints in many ways, including:

Wear-and-tear

Joint cartilage naturally wears with age, leading to osteoarthritis. High-impact activities or a previous joint injury can speed up the degenerative process.

The longer we live, the more opportunity for joint cartilage to wear down, exacerbating arthritis symptoms. OA can affect any joint but is found frequently in the knees, hips, spine, shoulders, wrists, and hands.

Decreased regenerative capacity

The body's ability to repair and regenerate tissue diminishes with age. That means the natural healing process of cartilage and other joint tissues slows down, making it harder for the body to cope with the ongoing wear-and-tear.

Increased inflammation

Chronic inflammation becomes more common as we age. That can worsen arthritis symptoms, especially in inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis. The body's immune response can become less effective, leading to prolonged inflammation and joint damage.

Comorbidities

Older adults are more likely to have other health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. These conditions can contribute to the progression of arthritis by increasing inflammation, reducing mobility, and adding stress to the joints.

Managing arthritis

While age can contribute to the worsening of arthritis, Dr. Panjabi develops personalized strategies to counter the effects of aging on your joints. Your plan may include:

• Joint-friendly activities such as swimming, walking, and yoga
• A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids)
• Medications to reduce pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy to increase strength, flexibility, and joint health
• Regenerative medicine treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Steroid joint injections to relieve inflammation and pain

To prevent further joint damage, your Advanced Pain Management team may also recommend using assistive devices (wraps and braces), practicing good posture, and avoiding activities that strain your joints excessively.

Schedule a visit at Advanced Pain Management today for outstanding care focused on relieving your pain and improving your overall quality of life. Call our office or request an appointment online.