Arthritis Explained for Grand Rapids, Michigan

Arthritis is a general term for more than 100 musculoskeletal conditions that affect the muscles, bones, and joints. It can impact people of all ages and backgrounds, including many adults and older adults living in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan.

Cold, damp winters and seasonal changes around Lake Michigan can sometimes make joint pain feel worse, so understanding arthritis and how to manage it is especially important for people in the Grand Rapids area.

Your Musculoskeletal System: How Joints Work

Joints Are Where Bones Meet

Your musculoskeletal system includes:

  • Bones – provide structure and support
  • Muscles – create movement
  • Ligaments – connect bone to bone
  • Tendons – connect muscle to bone

These structures work together so you can bend, twist, stretch, walk, and stay active on the trails, at work, or around your home in Grand Rapids.

Cartilage: Your Joint’s Cushion

The ends of your bones are covered in cartilage, a thin layer of smooth tissue that:

  • Cushions the bones
  • Helps your joints move smoothly
  • Reduces friction, like a slippery cushion between bones

Joint Capsule, Fluid, Ligaments, and Tendons

Around most joints is a joint capsule that:

  • Helps keep the bones in place
  • Contains synovial fluid, a thick liquid that nourishes and lubricates the joint (similar to oil in a squeaky hinge)

Ligaments hold the joint together by connecting one bone to another.
Tendons attach muscles to bones. When your muscles contract, they pull on the bones and make the joint move.

Arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions disrupt this normal function, affecting joints, muscles, bones, and surrounding tissues. How this happens depends on the specific type of arthritis.

Types of Arthritis Commonly Seen in West Michigan

Some of the more common conditions that fall under the “arthritis” umbrella include:

  • Osteoarthritis – wear-and-tear arthritis, common in knees, hips, hands, and spine
  • Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation
  • Back pain and spinal arthritis
  • Gout – caused by uric acid crystal buildup in joints
  • Fibromyalgia – widespread pain and fatigue
  • Lupus – an autoimmune disease that can affect joints and organs
  • Ankylosing spondylitis – primarily affects the spine
  • Polymyalgia rheumatica – causes muscle pain and stiffness, especially in older adults
  • Osteoporosis – thinning of the bones, which can lead to fractures

Anyone can develop arthritis, including children and young adults, though it is more common with age.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis affects people in different ways, and each condition has specific symptoms. However, common signs and symptoms include:

  • Joint pain
  • Swelling, redness, and warmth in or around a joint
  • Stiffness or reduced movement of a joint, especially in the morning or after sitting
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • General fatigue
  • Feeling unwell or “run down”

What Is “Rheumatism”?

Sometimes people use the word “rheumatism” to describe:

  • Aching joints
  • Muscle pain
  • General stiffness

Rheumatism is not a specific diagnosis. It is an older term sometimes used to describe symptoms that may be caused by arthritis or other rheumatic conditions.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

If you:

  • Have ongoing joint or muscle pain
  • Notice swelling, redness, or warmth in a joint
  • Feel stiff most mornings or after rest
  • Are feeling unusually tired or unwell along with joint pain

you should talk with a healthcare provider. In Grand Rapids, you can start with:

  • Your primary care provider
  • Clinics affiliated with Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health clinics and specialists

Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance to control symptoms and prevent joint damage.

How Arthritis Is Diagnosed

Because there are many types of arthritis, your doctor may use several steps to make an accurate diagnosis.

1. Medical History

Your doctor will ask about:

  • Your symptoms (when they started, what makes them better or worse)
  • Family history of arthritis or autoimmune disease
  • Past health problems and current medical conditions
  • Work and activity level (for example, standing all day at a manufacturing job or working outdoors in Michigan winters)

2. Physical Examination

Your doctor will:

  • Look for redness, swelling, and warmth in and around joints
  • Check range of motion and joint function
  • Look for joint deformities or tenderness
  • Depending on the suspected type of arthritis, they may also:
    • Look for rashes
    • Check your eyes and throat
    • Measure your temperature

3. Blood Tests and Lab Work

Depending on your symptoms, you may have blood tests to:

  • Check levels of inflammation
  • Look for autoimmune markers (such as rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP)
  • Check uric acid levels (for gout)
  • Look for certain genetic markers

These tests are commonly available through hospital systems like Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and local labs throughout Kent County.

4. Imaging and Scans

To see what is happening inside your joints, your doctor may order:

  • X-rays – to look for joint damage, bone spurs, or narrowing of joint spaces
  • Ultrasound – to see soft tissues and joint inflammation
  • CT (computed tomography) scans – detailed cross-sectional images
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – detailed images of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues

5. Referral to a Specialist

If needed, your primary care doctor may refer you to a:

  • Rheumatologist – a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions

Grand Rapids has rheumatology specialists within major systems such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health, and independent specialty practices.

Is There a Cure for Arthritis?

There is currently no cure for most types of arthritis. However:

  • Many treatments can reduce pain and inflammation
  • Some medications can slow or stop joint damage
  • Lifestyle changes and self-management can greatly improve quality of life

With the right care, many people in Grand Rapids continue to work, stay active, and enjoy outdoor activities year-round, from winter sports to summer walks along the Grand River.

Your Arthritis Healthcare Team in Grand Rapids

Managing arthritis often involves a team of health professionals, including:

  • General practitioner (GP) / Primary care doctor – central to your care, coordinates tests, medications, and referrals
  • Rheumatologist – specializes in arthritis and autoimmune diseases
  • Physiotherapist (physical therapist) – uses exercise and physical treatments to improve movement, strength, and function
  • Occupational therapist – teaches easier ways to do daily activities (bathing, dressing, cooking, working, driving) and recommends aids and home modifications
  • Exercise physiologist – designs safe, tailored exercise programs
  • Dietitian – provides advice on healthy eating, weight management, and anti-inflammatory diets
  • Podiatrist – assesses and treats foot and lower limb problems
  • Pharmacist – advises on prescription and over-the-counter medications, interactions, and proper use
  • Psychologist or counselor – helps you manage stress, anxiety, low mood, or the emotional impact of living with chronic pain

These professionals are available through major Grand Rapids health systems and community clinics.

Medications for Arthritis

Different types of arthritis require different medications. The main goals are to:

  • Relieve pain
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Slow or stop joint damage
  • Improve daily function and quality of life

Common medication types include:

Pain-Relieving Medications (Analgesics)

  • Examples: acetaminophen (paracetamol) and some prescription pain relievers
  • Help reduce pain but do not reduce inflammation or stop joint damage

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

  • Help reduce both pain and inflammation
  • Available over-the-counter and by prescription

Corticosteroids

  • Powerful anti-inflammatory medications
  • Can be taken as pills or given as injections into a joint
  • Often used to quickly control a flare of inflammation

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

  • Work on the disease process itself
  • Aim to slow or stop joint damage
  • Commonly used for autoimmune arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis

Biologic and Biosimilar Medicines (bDMARDs)

  • A type of DMARD made from biological sources
  • Target specific parts of the immune system in a more precise way
  • Often used when traditional DMARDs are not enough

Always let your doctor know about all medications and supplements you are taking, including:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Vitamins and herbal supplements
  • Products from health stores or complementary therapists

This helps avoid harmful interactions and side effects.

Self-Management: Living Well With Arthritis in Grand Rapids

While medical treatment is important, there is a lot you can do yourself to manage arthritis and stay active in West Michigan’s changing seasons.

1. Learn About Your Condition

Ask your healthcare team:

  • What type of arthritis or musculoskeletal condition do I have?
  • What treatment options are available?
  • What can I expect in the future?

The more you know, the better you can:

  • Make informed decisions
  • Ask the right questions
  • Take an active role in managing your health

Local resources such as the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health may offer educational materials, classes, or referrals.

2. Stay Physically Active

Regular, appropriate exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis. It helps:

  • Maintain muscle strength
  • Improve joint flexibility and range of motion
  • Support healthy weight
  • Reduce pain and stiffness
  • Boost mood and energy

A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can design a program tailored to your needs. Your GP may be able to set this up as part of a chronic disease management plan.

In Grand Rapids, activity options can be adjusted by season:

  • Winter: Indoor walking at malls or fitness centers, home-based exercises, pool therapy at local hospitals or YMCAs
  • Summer and fall: Walking or biking on local trails, gentle outdoor activities, community fitness programs

3. Learn Ways to Manage Pain

Different strategies work for different people and situations. Options include:

  • Heat packs or warm showers – help relax muscles and ease stiffness, especially in cold Michigan weather
  • Cold packs – can reduce inflammation and swelling after activity
  • Gentle stretching and low-impact exercise – helps relieve muscle tension
  • Relaxation and breathing techniques – to manage stress and pain perception
  • Pacing activities – balancing activity and rest throughout the day

Try different approaches to see what works best for you, and discuss them with your healthcare team.

4. Watch Your Diet and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Carrying extra weight puts added strain on load-bearing joints such as your:

  • Hips
  • Knees
  • Ankles

A healthy diet and weight management can:

  • Reduce pain
  • Improve mobility
  • Lower the risk of other conditions common in Michigan, such as heart disease and diabetes

A dietitian can help you create a practical eating plan that fits your lifestyle and cultural preferences.

5. Protect Your Joints

Joint protection strategies can help you do daily tasks with less pain and strain, such as:

  • Using larger joints instead of smaller ones when possible (e.g., using your shoulder instead of your fingers to push a door)
  • Avoiding prolonged positions that increase stiffness
  • Using aids and equipment like jar openers, reachers, or shower chairs

An occupational therapist can:

  • Suggest specific aids and gadgets
  • Recommend home modifications (e.g., handrails, raised toilet seats)
  • Teach you joint-friendly ways to perform everyday tasks

6. Work With Your Healthcare Team

The best way to live well with arthritis is to work closely with your healthcare providers. This includes:

  • Attending regular follow-up appointments
  • Taking medications as prescribed
  • Reporting new or worsening symptoms
  • Asking questions when you are unsure

In Grand Rapids, coordinated care is available through systems like Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and local independent practices.

7. Stay at Work or School When Possible

Staying engaged in work, school, or volunteering can:

  • Support your mental health
  • Maintain social connections
  • Provide structure and purpose

Talk with your doctor, occupational therapist, or employer about:

  • Ergonomic changes to your workstation
  • Adjusted duties or flexible schedules
  • Reasonable accommodations under workplace policies

8. Join a Peer Support Group

Living with a chronic condition can feel isolating. Connecting with others who understand arthritis can be a relief and a source of practical tips.

Look for:

  • Local arthritis or chronic illness support groups in Grand Rapids
  • Programs offered through hospital systems, community centers, or churches
  • Online support communities if in-person groups are not available

The Kent County Health Department and local hospitals often know about current support options.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you think you may have arthritis or need help managing it, consider:

  • Your GP / Primary care doctor
  • Rheumatologist (arthritis specialist)
  • Physiotherapist / Physical therapist
  • Exercise physiologist
  • Dietitian
  • Occupational therapist
  • Podiatrist
  • Pharmacist
  • Psychologist or counselor

You can access these services through:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
  • Community health centers and clinics throughout Kent County

For public health information and local resources, contact:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs

They may provide education, referrals, and community program information.

Key Points About Arthritis in Grand Rapids

  • Arthritis is a group of conditions that affect joints, muscles, and bones.
  • Symptoms can vary, but common signs include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and feeling unwell.
  • The term “rheumatism” is sometimes used to describe these symptoms but is not a specific diagnosis.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce pain and prevent joint damage.
  • There is no cure for most types of arthritis, but many treatments and self-management strategies can help you live well.
  • Working with a healthcare team and using local resources in Grand Rapids can help you stay active, independent, and engaged in daily life.