Posted on 05-09-2025 in Thumb Arthritis, Joint Care, Hip Arthritis, Arthritis, Hand Arthritis, Knee Osteoarthritis, In Office Procedures & Ankle Arthritis by Dr. Sonya Ahmed, Dr. Christopher Bookout, Dr. Alex Coleman, Dr. Joshua Hackel, Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. Matthew Mai, Dr. Erik Nilssen, Dr. Chris O'Grady, Dr. Roger Ostrander, Dr. James Piorkowski, Dr. Ryan Riggs, Dr. Brett Smith
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase public understanding of arthritis and its impact on millions of lives. Established by the Arthritis Foundation, this national observance highlights the importance of early diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing research to improve the quality of life for those with arthritis.
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting more than 53 million adults and approximately 300,000 children. It’s not just a single disease, but a term that refers to over 100 different joint disorders. Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion, which can significantly interfere with daily activities and mobility.
At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we’re committed to helping patients manage arthritis with comprehensive care and educational resources. To support those affected during Arthritis Awareness Month, we’ve created an Arthritis Article Resource Archive filled with expert guidance and practical tips. Explore our complete collection at our Arthritis Blog Archive or click on any of the article titles below to read individual posts:
Additionally, our website features a Common Conditions page where you can learn more about specific types of arthritis by searching based on body part, symptoms and severity.
If you’re experiencing arthritis symptoms, don’t wait. Request a visit using our Online Appointment Request Form or call one of our convenient locations listed in the footer below. Relief starts with the proper care, and the expert team of orthopaedic and sports medicine professionals at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists is here to help every step of the way.
Arthritis literally translates to “inflammation of the joint” and describes the degenerative process through which a joint space loses its “cushioning,” whether are the result of injury, illness or the natural process of aging. It is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and can be found in almost every part of the body, from the shoulder all the way down to the smallest joint of the toe. Our joints are intricate structures shaped from cartilage, bone, muscle and connective tissue, all of which can gradually weaken over time or be damaged by acute injury. While there are more than one hundred known types of arthritis, the three most common forms are osteoarthritis, which is by far the most prevalent; rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by the body’s own immune system generating a chronic inflammatory response in the joints; and post-traumatic arthritis, which is caused by the lingering structural damage of acute injuries.
Research from the National Library of Medicine states that one in seven people in the United States suffers from some form of wrist arthritis. That estimate indicates that just over 13% of the American population experiences discomfort, inflammation or limited range in motion due to this condition. As we usher in the month of May and recognize National Arthritis Awareness Month, we want to emphasize wrist arthritis and provide an overview of the condition, symptoms to be aware of, treatment options, and tips for managing its symptoms.
Thumb arthritis is degeneration of the joint at the base of the thumb metacarpal. It usually is the trapezium/metacarpal joint (TMC) but can be the joint below as well. This is where the thumb meets the wrist. It is much more common in women and can be related to loose ligaments.