Arthritis causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints and surrounding tissues. Symptoms vary but typically include pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased ability to move the affected joint.

An estimated 54 million people in the United States have arthritis. There are over 100 different types, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common.

What Are The Different Types Of Arthritis?

There are over 100 types of arthritis, each with a unique cause. The most common include:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common form, caused by cartilage breakdown between joints.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy cells, often affecting hands, wrists, and knees.

  • Gout: Triggered by uric acid build-up, often affecting the big toe.

  • Juvenile arthritis: Childhood arthritis that can cause permanent joint damage.

  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS): Inflammation along the spine’s joints and ligaments.

  • Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): Related to psoriasis, affecting joints and tendon-bone connections.

  • Reactive arthritis: Triggered by infections in other parts of the body.

Common Signs And Symptoms

Typical symptoms include:

  • Decreased ability to move joints

  • Pain

  • Stiffness

  • Swelling

These may start mild, become more painful over time, and fluctuate.

Osteoarthritis

OA symptoms may include:

  • Decreased range of motion

  • Pain or aching in hands, knees, hips, neck, or lower back

  • Stiffness

  • Swelling

Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is systemic and can affect the entire body. It often involves both sides of the body and causes:

  • Fatigue

  • Fever

  • Lack of appetite

  • Pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness

Juvenile Arthritis

Children with juvenile arthritis may experience:

  • Fever

  • Lack of appetite

  • Pain

  • Rash

  • Stiffness and swelling

  • Tiredness

Gout

Gout symptoms include:

  • Swelling, redness, and heat in affected joints (commonly the big toe)

  • Sudden onset of pain lasting days or weeks, followed by remissions

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Most common symptoms:

  • Pain and stiffness in lower back and hips

  • Pain worsens during inactivity but improves with exercise

Psoriatic Arthritis

Symptoms may include:

  • Eye redness

  • Nail changes

  • Joint pain and stiffness

  • Finger and toe swelling

Often occurs with psoriasis, but not always. Skin severity does not equal joint severity.

Reactive Arthritis

Symptoms usually appear 1–6 weeks after an infection and may include:

  • Foot and heel pain

  • Lower back and buttocks pain

  • Joint pain, stiffness, swelling

What Causes Arthritis?

The exact cause is not always known. Many forms result from joint inflammation. Some types have specific causes:

  • Excess uric acid → gout

  • Infections → reactive arthritis

Risk Factors

Risk factors include:

  • Excess weight

  • Genetics

  • Infections or joint injury

  • Repetitive joint stress at work

  • Smoking

It is more common in older adults and women, but it can affect anyone, even children.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Doctors may:

  • Ask about symptoms and history

  • Perform physical exams (check fluid, warmth, redness, movement)

  • Use tests such as:

    • Blood tests for inflammatory markers

    • Biopsy of tissue

    • Joint aspiration for uric acid

    • X-rays for joint damage

Treatment Options

There is no cure, but treatments aim to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent joint damage. Options include:

  • Exercise, physical therapy, massage

  • Pain relievers (acetaminophen, NSAIDs)

  • Acupuncture

  • Steroids, DMARDs, biologics for specific arthritis types

How To Prevent Flares

Steps to minimize flares include:

  • Apply ice or heat for pain and inflammation relief

  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress

  • Manage stress with relaxation techniques

  • Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming

Related Conditions

Arthritis can increase the risk of:

  • Diabetes

  • Heart disease

  • Lung disease (RA-related COPD or interstitial lung disease)

  • Osteoporosis

Living With Arthritis

Early diagnosis is key to prevent joint damage. Rheumatologists or orthopedists can help manage long-term treatment.

Living with arthritis involves lifestyle adjustments:

  • Exercise regularly

  • Reduce stress

  • Get enough sleep

  • Work with doctors on medications with minimal side effects

With consistent care, many people manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.