Arthritis commonly causes symptoms like discomfort, stiffness, or swelling in your joints (places in your body where two bones meet). You may experience flares and remission, when your symptoms go through periods of worsening and improving. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and symptoms vary depending on which one you have.

The Most Common Symptoms Of Arthritis

No matter the type of arthritis, general symptoms include:

  • Joint pain

  • Limited ability to move the affected joint

  • Redness

  • Stiffness

  • Swelling

  • Warmth

How Do Arthritis Symptoms Vary By Type?

There are over 100 types of arthritis. Two of the most common are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The different types of arthritis have the same general symptoms, like joint pain and stiffness, but the affected joints and other symptoms differ.

Osteoarthritis

Key features:
OA usually affects the hands, hips, and knees. Symptoms include instability when walking, loss of movement, pain, and stiffness. Symptoms are often worse in the morning or when standing after sitting for a while, but pain usually improves within 30 minutes of movement. Some people may develop cysts (fluid-filled pockets) behind the knee, usually triggered by swelling.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Key features:
RA is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system attacks healthy cells. It can cause bone erosion and cartilage changes, leading to joint stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes, and pain while moving or even at rest. Symptoms often develop symmetrically, in the same joints on both sides of the body.

Other symptoms:

  • Fever

  • Joints that are tender and warm to the touch

  • Loss of appetite

  • Nodules (round, hardened lumps) that may limit range of motion and cause misalignment

  • Swelling, often in the wrist, hands, and feet

  • Tiredness

If untreated, RA can also affect other organs, including the eyes, blood, lungs, and nerves.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Key features:
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease that affects joints and skin. It mainly affects the hands, wrists, and feet, but may also involve elbows, spine, and other joints. It is often accompanied by skin changes like psoriasis, with raised, red, dry, and itchy plaques (commonly on elbows and knees). PsA may also affect the nails.

Other symptoms:

  • Changes to bowel movements

  • Depression or anxiety

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Eye swelling

  • Fatigue

  • High blood pressure

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Key features:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine but can also involve large joints such as the shoulders, knees, hands, and feet.

Common symptoms:

  • Pain or stiffness in affected areas, especially in the morning

  • Decreased mobility

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Anxiety or depression

  • A hunched spine that can make breathing difficult

In rare cases, AS may cause swollen fingers. Some people may also develop osteoporosis in the spine.

Gout

Key features:
Gout is caused by the formation of uric acid crystals inside the joints. Foods high in purine, such as red meat, seafood, or alcohol, can trigger flares. The big toe is most commonly affected, but the ankle, leg, and other foot joints can also develop symptoms.

Symptoms:

  • Intense pain and swelling

  • Redness and warmth

  • In some cases, hardened deposits under the skin called tophi, often appearing around joints or ears

Is Arthritis Contagious?

Arthritis is not contagious. It develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain infections may trigger a type called reactive arthritis, but you cannot pass arthritis to another person.

When To See A Healthcare Provider

Seek medical help if you have arthritis symptoms or if they are worsening.

Urgent symptoms include:

  • Difficulty moving your joint

  • Severe swelling

  • Persistent or unexplained joint or back pain

  • Rash

  • Fatigue

  • Fever

  • Skin that is red or warm to the touch

  • Unintentional weight loss

In rare cases, a severe infection may lead to joint inflammation. Emergency care is required if you have sudden fever, cannot put weight on a limb, or lose motion due to infection.

Questions To Ask Your Provider

  • Could my back pain be a sign of ankylosing spondylitis?

  • Does this rash look like psoriatic arthritis?

  • What foods and drinks should I avoid if I have gout?

  • What are my treatment options for my type of arthritis?

A Quick Review

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that causes pain, discomfort, and stiffness. Symptoms differ by type and may worsen over time. Medical attention is important to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods make arthritis symptoms worse?
Trigger foods vary by type. For gout, foods like bacon, anchovies, scallops, beef, and turkey may trigger symptoms. For rheumatoid arthritis, sugary sodas and desserts may worsen flares.

What is the fastest way to treat arthritis symptoms?
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can temporarily help. Providers may also recommend prescription medication, physical therapy, or surgery for severe cases.

Do symptoms of arthritis go away on their own?
No. Arthritis symptoms usually worsen with time and require treatment to manage effectively.