Quiz – Joint Return

If redness, swelling and pain in your joints is cramping your lifestyle, you’re not alone. Millions of people in the U.S. have some form of arthritis. Learn about the most common forms by taking our quiz. Then read Less Pain, More Gain to learn about conservative treatment options for patients who don’t want to give up the activities they love.

1. Although there are more than 100 forms of arthritis, the main type is:

A. Osteoarthritis (OA)
B. Gout
C. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
D. All of the above

2. People with arthritis shouldn’t exercise, because it will damage their joints further.

A. True
B. False

3. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by _______.

A. Aging
B. Wear and tear on the joints over many years
C. An autoimmune condition
D. Athletic injury

4. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. Too much uric acid in the body is caused by ______.

A. The body producing more than it should
B. The kidneys not eliminating enough
C. High consumption of certain foods
D. All of the above

5. Osteoarthritis usually affects the hands and the large weight-bearing joints of the body—the knees and hips.

A. True
B. False

6. The disappearance of symptoms of OA or RA after taking medication means that you have been successfully cured.

A. True
B. False

Answers:

1. D. All of the above. Most people have one of these three main forms of arthritis.

2. B. False. Exercise, such as a daily walk, helps keep joints moving, reduces pain, and strengthens muscles around the joints.

3. C. An autoimmune condition. With RA, the immune system mistakenly sends antibodies to healthy joints, attacking the tissue and causing inflammation. Untreated, RA can cause the joint to lose its natural shape and alignment.

4. D. All of the above. Certain foods contain chemical compounds called purines that transform into uric acid. These include alcoholic and sugary drinks and seafood such as anchovies, sardines and mackerel.

5. A. True. Early in the disease, pain occurs after activity and rest brings relief. Later on, pain occurs with very little movement, even during rest.

6. B. False. Medications and other treatments can ease the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, but there is no cure for OA or RA. Sometimes arthritis symptoms may go away by themselves, but they can return weeks, months, or years later.