More than one-third of Americans have some degree of arthritis, making it one of the nation’s most common chronic health conditions.¹ Although joint pain and stiffness can be frustrating, arthritis doesn’t have to define your loved one’s life. With the right knowledge, treatment, and support, many people are able to manage their symptoms, stay active, and remain independent for years to come.

Note: While this blog offers general guidance about ways to support a family member with arthritis, it does not replace advice from a medical professional. Please consult your loved one’s healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and before starting any new treatment.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that affect a person’s joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis, each with its own causes and symptoms.¹ One thing they all have in common, however, is that they can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, which can make everyday movement more difficult.

Although arthritis tends to become more common in older adults, especially those over 50, it’s not an inevitable part of aging.¹ If you’re caring for a loved one with arthritis, understanding the diagnosis is an important first step toward finding the most effective arthritis treatment and management strategies.

Symptoms of arthritis

Symptoms vary from person to person and depend on the type of arthritis. Common symptoms can include:

• Persistent joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling or tenderness around the joints
• Reduced range of motion
• Skin discoloration
• Warmth near a joint¹

Some types of arthritis can cause these symptoms to come in waves or flare-ups, while other types exhibit symptoms that are present all the time. It’s very important to encourage your loved one to speak with their doctor about symptoms to receive an accurate diagnosis and care plan.

Most common types of arthritis

With so many forms of arthritis, it can be overwhelming to understand the differences between them. However, just three types account for the vast majority of cases in older adults. These include:

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis, happening when cartilage between a joint wears down over time until the bones begin to rub against each other during movement. An estimated 80% of adults aged 55 and older have osteoarthritis, and about 60% have noticeable symptoms.²
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Typically developing between the ages of 30 and 60, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation that can damage cartilage and bone if left untreated. It can also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, mouth, lungs, and heart.³
• Gout: Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by painfully sharp uric acid crystals forming in the joints, most commonly the big toe. Symptoms come and go as flare-ups, or “gout attacks.”⁴

Causes and risk factors

Arthritis can develop because of normal joint wear over time, an overactive immune system, or other underlying health conditions. While some risk factors are beyond one’s control, others can be managed to help protect the joints and support long-term mobility.

Factors that cannot be changed include:

• Age. The risk of arthritis increases with age due to greater levels of inflammation in the body and natural loss of muscle mass.
• Family history. Certain types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and a less common type called ankylosing spondylitis, can be passed on through genetics.
• Gender. While men are more likely to develop gout, women are at higher risk for developing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.⁵

Factors you may influence can include:

• Weight. Knee osteoarthritis is common in people who are obese, as the excess weight puts more stress on the legs’ joints.
• Smoking. Not only can smoking increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can also worsen existing arthritis symptoms and make pain management more difficult.
• Previous injury. Some joint injuries, even if healed well, can cause osteoarthritis in the same joint years later. These injuries can happen through sports, accidental falls, or activities that involve repetitive motions.
• Occupation. Some occupations can put people at greater risk of developing arthritis, such as those requiring frequent bending or squatting.⁵

Tips for living well with arthritis

There may not be a cure for most forms of arthritis, but there are many ways to manage symptoms and continue getting the most out of life. Remember, no matter the type or severity of arthritis, it’s always best to involve a healthcare professional for the most effective symptom management.

Keep moving

It may seem counterintuitive, but regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis. Daily gentle exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support your loved one’s joints, improve flexibility, and reduce stiffness. The Mayo Clinic suggests low-impact aerobic activities, like walking or cycling, and avoiding high-impact movements like running and jumping. They might consider working with a physical or occupational therapist for a custom exercise program.⁶

Find the right balance between activity and rest

When staying active, it’s important to avoid overexertion. On days when joints are particularly sore, breaking larger tasks into smaller steps and taking short breaks throughout the day can help. Encourage them to focus on stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and gradual strength training.⁶

Care for their emotional health

When daily activities that once were effortless are now too difficult or painful for your loved one, it’s natural for them to feel frustrated, discouraged, or even afraid. That’s why tending to their mental and emotional health is a crucial part of living well with arthritis. Urge them to try relaxation techniques into their daily routines, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and journaling. Even something as simple as listening to music can be a powerful way to calm the mood. As always, it’s best to involve a healthcare professional in discussions about arthritis management.

Encourage them to accept support

Many people hesitate to accept help from others, but this shouldn’t be something your loved one has to go through alone. You, alongside other family members and friends, neighbors, healthcare providers, and professional caregivers can all play an important role in helping them maintain their independence and quality of life. Whether it’s driving them to appointments, assisting with household chores during a flare-up, picking up groceries, or simply offering a friendly face, your help when they need it can significantly reduce their stress and help prevent overexertion.

Remind them that asking for help is not weakness. It’s a practical way to conserve their energy for the activities and the people that matter most.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is arthritis hereditary?

A: It can be. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there is a genetic component to most types of arthritis, but the risk is considered the highest if a first-degree relative has arthritis. However, a range of lifestyle factors can still play a role, so this doesn’t necessarily mean that arthritis will get passed down from one family member to the next.⁷

Q: Can arthritis be reversed?

A: Unfortunately, no. There is no cure for arthritis, and it cannot be reversed. But it can be effectively managed with an accurate diagnosis and the right care plan.⁸

Q: What is the fastest way to relieve arthritis pain?

A: Because symptoms can vary so significantly from person to person, there is no guaranteed way to immediately relieve arthritis pain. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that oral pain-relieving medications, such as Tylenol, some topical medications, and joint injections may be helpful. Proper diet, exercise, and physical therapies are also key.⁹

Signs it’s time for support

Living with arthritis doesn’t necessarily mean giving up independence. As arthritis progresses, though, everyday tasks can begin to feel more challenging and painful, which is why it’s important to recognize and address these changes as early as possible.

A key sign that additional support may be helpful is increasing difficulty with everyday activities. Tasks like getting dressed, meal prep, climbing up and down stairs, carrying groceries, or getting into bed at night may take longer or require more effort than they once did. Some people with arthritis may begin avoiding these activities altogether because they anticipate pain or worry about losing their balance.

Other signs that are important to note include:

• Walking more slowly
• Relying on furniture for support
• Struggling to stand after sitting
• Feeling unsteady on your feet
• Persistent or worsening pain

How HomeWell can help

Through personalized support and help with daily tasks like meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal care, medication reminders, and transportation to appointments, our compassionate caregivers help clients conserve their energy while staying comfortable. They can also help encourage gentle movement, help reduce fall risks, and provide lasting companionship.

Whether your loved one needs assistance for just a few hours a week or on a more regular basis, we are here to help. Give us a call today to learn if our services are right for your loved one and your family.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Sources

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, November 13). “Arthritis.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12061-arthritis
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, October 2). “Osteoarthritis.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5599-osteoarthritis
3. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, November 6). “Rheumatoid Arthritis.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4924-rheumatoid-arthritis
4. Cleveland Clinic. (2026, February 6). “Gout.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4755-gout
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, February 22). “Arthritis Risk Factors.” https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/risk-factors/index.html
6. Mayo Clinic. (2025, April 4). “Arthritis pain: Do’s and don’ts.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20046440
7. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, February 25). “Is Arthritis Hereditary?” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-arthritis-hereditary
8. Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group. “Is Arthritis Reversible?” https://www.somersortho.com/blog/is-arthritis-reversible
9. Dunkin, M. A. “Finding the Best Joint Pain Relief for You: 24 Treatment Options.” https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/finding-the-best-joint-pain-relief