Arthritis

Arthritis refers to many diseases that cause joint swelling, pain and aching in adults and children alike. Whether caused by wear and tear, aging or an autoimmune disorder, you have options for many safe and effective treatments to restore movement, mobility and quality of life.

Types of Diseases

Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States. Here’s what you need to know.

About 52 million adults received an arthritis diagnosis in 2012. Experts expect that number to climb to at least 78 million by 2040.
Arthritis begins much earlier than most people think. An estimated 62 percent of people with arthritis are under age 65. Juvenile arthritis affects 294,000 children.
Pain and disability from arthritis, however, rises with age. Nearly one in two people develop troublesome knee arthritis by age 85, and one in four develop painful hip arthritis by age 85.
Wear and tear on your joints—called osteoarthritis—is the most common type of arthritis. Swelling and joint pain can also result from rheumatic conditions such as gout, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Overweight people are twice as likely to develop arthritis. Losing just 11 pounds can reduce the risk of knee arthritis in women by half.

Patient Information

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Interested in becoming a Sutter patient? Here’s what you need to know about health plans, choosing a doctor and how to get started today.

Help for Achy Joints

Don't Suffer in Silence

Sutter care centers have many treatments for pain and stiffness due to arthritis.

A Surgical Solution

When therapy is not enough, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve pain and restore function.

Lose Pounds to Relieve Arthritis

Extra weight doubles your odds of developing arthritis. Dramatically reduce your risk by losing weight.

Ask an Expert

William Whang, M.D.

Memorial Medical Center Modesto

I had full hip replacement surgery last year (left side) and it worked well. However, my right hip is now hurting. How can I lose weight effectively without irritating the bad hip?

Losing weight is challenging enough and is more difficult in the presence of degenerative arthritis. The mainstays of weight loss are diet and exercise, so I'd like to focus on exercise in the presence of an ar... continue reading about I had full hip replacement surgery last year (left side) and it worked well. However, my right hip is now hurting. How can I lose weight effectively without irritating the bad hip?

C. Scott Walthour, M.D.

Sutter Tracy Community Hospital

I am 79 years old and fairly fit, but I have some problems with balance and a lot of pain in my knees. An orthopedist said I had "bone-on-bone" issues. Do you have any advice for me that could help me make a decision about knee replacements?

This is an extremely common question, and I'm glad you brought it up. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a "wear and tear" phenomenon that affects the majority of the population during their later years. It is not a... continue reading about I am 79 years old and fairly fit, but I have some problems with balance and a lot of pain in my knees. An orthopedist said I had "bone-on-bone" issues. Do you have any advice for me that could help me make a decision about knee replacements?

Arfan Din, D.O.

Sutter Medical Group

I have arthritis in my knees. What are some alternative forms of treatment instead of surgery? I've had cortisone shots, but they are ineffective now.

Good question. This is a common problem for many people. The non-operative treatments for the arthritis of the knees can include the following:Losing weight - If there is less pressure on the knee, there is les... continue reading about I have arthritis in my knees. What are some alternative forms of treatment instead of surgery? I've had cortisone shots, but they are ineffective now.

Arfan Din, D.O.

Sutter Medical Group

I have knee pain, which I feel all day. I'm seeing an orthopedic doctor. His conclusion is the cartilage is worn out and recommends knee replacement. I've tried injections but this did not help. Are there any alternative procedures you would recommend?

Current treatments for end stage arthritis (bone touching bone) are very limited to mostly surgical options, i.e. joint replacement. Currently there is no effective way of replacing the cartilage that is damage... continue reading about I have knee pain, which I feel all day. I'm seeing an orthopedic doctor. His conclusion is the cartilage is worn out and recommends knee replacement. I've tried injections but this did not help. Are there any alternative procedures you would recommend?

Ravin Agah, M.D., Ph.D.

Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? How would I know if I have the disease, and how is it different from osteoarthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease which affects people in their 30s and 40s. Bilateral joints (both sides) are affected. People with RA tends to have the most pain in the morning, which then... continue reading about What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? How would I know if I have the disease, and how is it different from osteoarthritis?

Pain Research

In medicine, pain relates to the perception of a sensation that hurts. Only the person who is experiencing the pain can describe it properly. Research seeks to understand all types of pain, how to stop it or how to lessen it to improve a person’s quality of life.

Sutter Health Pain Research Sutter Health Pain Research

Health and Wellness

Tips to Build Strong Bones

Bone health is important at each stage of life. Review the simple steps you can take.

Simple Ways to Build Strong Bones

Experts Who Partner With You

Arthritis and Rheumatology

The Sutter Health network is home to many specialists who focus on arthritis. Learn about today’s treatment options for arthritis pain and joint damage.