Arthritis is one of the most common health issues affecting Arizona seniors. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, as of 2022, 53.9% of adults aged 75 and over have arthritis, and many more have arthritis-like symptoms.
Recognizing the symptoms of arthritis early is crucial to effectively treating this chronic condition. Like most diseases, recognizing symptoms early often means more effective treatments that can help seniors manage pain and preserve mobility, two of the greatest challenges as we age. With the right treatment, seniors can continue to live active, healthy, social lives, even with arthritis.
Here at Haven Health, we not only want to be your premier provider of elder care and skilled nursing, we are dedicated to educating the public about conditions that affect the elderly, like arthritis. Because education is so important to empowerment, today we’ll help you understand this condition that affects so many of our seniors.
What Is Arthritis?
In its most basic form, arthritis is inflammation in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, each with different causes and symptoms. So, how many types of arthritis are there? There are at least 100 known types of arthritis affecting seniors and many others today.
Arthritis can affect almost all parts of the body that move, but the most common body parts affected are the hands and fingers, knees, hips, spine and shoulders. The joint inflammation caused by arthritis can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving the body parts that are affected.
Some kinds of arthritis are due to the natural wear and tear of aging. Other types are due to diseases, such as autoimmune conditions or metabolic disorders.
Common Types of Arthritis in Seniors
Although arthritis can affect people of all ages, it is most commonly associated with the effects of aging.
The most common types of arthritis for seniors include:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis seen in seniors. It happens due to the natural wear-and-tear on joints as we age, as well as cartilage breakdown within and around the joints. This type of arthritis most often affects joints that bear the weight of our bodies, such as knees, hips, and the spine, although it can also occur in other body parts as well.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is likely the most common form of non-osteoarthritis in seniors. This condition happens when an autoimmune disease attacks joints. An autoimmune disease is a condition where the systems designed to protect the body from illness end up attacking the body itself, in this case, the joints.
- Psoriatic arthritis: This type of arthritis is linked to skin conditions, especially psoriasis. Seniors who have a history of psoriasis should watch out for symptoms and speak with their doctor if they experience joint swelling and pain. This kind of arthritis may affect any part of the body.
- Gout: Gout is actually a form of arthritis. It’s caused by uric acid buildup in the joints. Gout is often extremely painful and often happens suddenly and usually is localized to the big toes, although it can happen just about anywhere, including the knees and ankles. Gout is especially affected by the diet and weight, and people with gout or at risk for gout should limit certain foods, such as red meat.
There are also other less common types of arthritis that may affect seniors as well.
Recognizing Arthritis Symptoms
Early detection of arthritis is crucial to treating the disease. Early detection often means more mobility and less pain down the road — an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Symptoms to look out for most types of arthritis include:
- Joint pain that is chronic
- Stiffness in the joints
- Swelling in joints
- Reduced range of motion in limbs, fingers, and toes
- Difficulty with daily tasks that require dexterity
- Difficulty and pain when walking
- Fatigue in the joints
Some autoimmune related types of arthritis also may exhibit systemic symptoms like fever, malaise, and other flu-like symptoms.
Arthritis Treatment and Management Options
The best defense against arthritis is a healthy lifestyle. Even if you are experiencing the early symptoms of arthritis, lifestyle changes can make a huge difference, and can even, in some cases, reverse parts of the disease, depending on the type.
Eat a balanced diet low in red meat and high in vegetables and fiber, get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, and control your weight.
Supportive care is another good non-invasive option for treatment of arthritis. Especially beneficial for seniors is physical therapy. Not just for recovery from accidents, PT can help seniors maintain mobility and independence.
If lifestyle changes and therapy alone are not enough, some medical treatments are available as well. Ask your doctor about medications, injections such as cortisone, and for some advanced cases, surgery may even be an option.
How Haven Health Helps Seniors With Arthritis
Haven Health takes a comprehensive approach to treating patients with arthritis. We offer world-class skilled nursing facilities and all of our guests receive personalized care plans. Our patients also receive access to therapies and wellness programs to improve quality of life for everyone who walks through our doors.
Our staff is the jewel of our organization, and provides holistic care for seniors managing all common types of arthritis. We never see our guests as just their disease, but understand that arthritis and other chronic conditions can take a toll on mental and emotional wellbeing also.
At Haven Health, we’re here to help. If you or your loved ones are struggling with arthritis, we offer effective management, compassionate care, access to top-quality medical staff, and the lifestyle guidance you or your loved ones need to remain healthy, happy, and mobile.
Do You Have Arthritis Due To Aging or Love Someone Who Does? Call Now
With the right care and support, arthritis can be managed. Even with advanced arthritis, seniors can lead long, happy, mobile lives, with the right support.
If you’re looking for expert guidance on arthritis and other aging-related issues, call us today for compassionate care and more information. We are happy to provide seniors and others all across Arizona with the absolute best elder care and skilled nursing available anywhere in the world.
Don’t wait. Call today. Your joints, and your mobility, may depend on it.
Sources:
Arthritis. (2025).
Elgaddal, N., et al. (2024). Arthritis in Adults Age 18 and Older: United States, 2022.
Fulghum B., et al. (2025). Types of Arthritis.
Osteoarthritis. (2025).