What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single disease but a term covering more than 100 conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. In Singapore, arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability among adults, affecting work, daily function, and quality of life.
Here are the 5 most common types of arthritis and how they impact the body.
5 Most Common Types of Arthritis
1. Osteoarthritis (OA)
The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis is often called a “wear-and-tear” disease. It happens when the protective cartilage cushioning your bones wears down over time. OA commonly affects the hands, hips, knees, and spine.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy joints, causing painful inflammation. RA can lead to bone erosion, deformity, and organ complications (lungs, heart, eyes, skin). Unlike OA, RA affects the lining of joints, not just cartilage.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis
A chronic inflammatory arthritis linked with psoriasis, a skin condition causing scaly rashes. Psoriatic arthritis affects the knees, spine, fingers, and scalp, leading to joint stiffness and swelling.
4. Gout
A painful form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup in joints. It usually affects the big toe, with sudden attacks of pain, swelling, and redness. Gout flares are common at night and can be disabling without treatment.
5. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
A type of spinal arthritis causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the spine. Over time, excess calcium buildup can fuse parts of the spine, reducing flexibility and causing chronic pain.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms may fluctuate, but the most common include:
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
Redness around affected joints
Reduced range of motion
Fatigue or weakness (common in autoimmune arthritis like RA)
Causes & Risk Factors
Several factors increase arthritis risk:
Age: Risk rises with age (OA, gout, RA).
Gender: Women are more prone to RA; men to gout.
Family history: Certain types of arthritis are genetic.
Joint injuries: Old injuries may trigger OA later in life.
Obesity: Excess weight stresses knees, hips, and spine.
Repetitive work: Heavy lifting or repetitive motions (e.g., cleaners, construction workers) increase risk.
Prevention & Lifestyle Tips
While not all arthritis types can be prevented, lifestyle changes lower the risk:
🚭 Quit smoking: Smokers are up to 2x more likely to develop RA (Arthritis Foundation, 2024).
🏊 Do low-impact exercises: Swimming, cycling, and yoga reduce stress on joints.
⚖️ Maintain healthy weight: Each extra kilo increases pressure on knees and hips.
🤸 Stretch regularly: Improves mobility, reduces stiffness.
🛡️ Protect your joints: Use braces or supports when lifting or exercising.
🏋️ Practice safe lifting: Bend knees and hips instead of straining your back.
Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatments at Wellness Philosophy
At Wellness Philosophy Singapore, we provide holistic, drug-free interventions to manage arthritis:
1. Lifestyle Modification Programs
Our consultants tailor programs that address sleep, nutrition, work posture, and stress. These include corrective therapy, joint-strengthening exercises, and patient education to prevent flare-ups.
2. Shockwave Therapy
A clinically advanced non-invasive treatment that reduces joint inflammation, restores circulation, and breaks down scar tissue—helping restore mobility.
3. Physical Therapy & Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
Targeted exercises and therapies to restore joint function, improve posture, and reduce stiffness. We collaborate with Doctors & Specialists to provide an integrated care plan.
4. Nutritional Supplements for Joint Health
Innate Care: Vitamin B12 → Improves bone density, supports nerve function, prevents osteoporosis.
Innate Care: Vitamin D3 → Essential for bone and muscle strength, helps prevent sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss).
FAQs About Arthritis
Q1: Can arthritis be cured?
Currently, arthritis cannot be cured, but treatments can slow progression and relieve symptoms.
Q2: Is arthritis only for older people?
No. Autoimmune arthritis (RA, Psoriatic Arthritis) can affect people in their 20s and 30s.
Q3: What foods should I avoid with arthritis?
Processed sugar, alcohol, and high-purine foods (red meat, seafood) can worsen inflammation or trigger gout.
Q4: When should I see a doctor?
If joint pain persists for more than 2 weeks, worsens at night, or limits mobility, seek medical evaluation.
Take Control of Arthritis Today
Arthritis can limit your lifestyle, but early intervention and non-surgical treatments help you live pain-free.
👉 Book a consultation with Wellness Philosophy today to learn more about arthritis management and treatment options in Singapore.
📞 Call us: 6223-7170
📲 Make a Booking: 8282-7918
