Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition describing inflammation of a joint, and applies to over 100 diseases that have been identified to date. Most of these diseases fall into one of two categories: degenerative arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, or inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of most types of arthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint. The specific cause of each type of arthritis varies, but many are thought to have both an environmental and genetic component.

Topics

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) mainly affects the spine. Pain and stiffness are the primary symptoms and the condition can lead to the bones of the joints being fused together.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa is not a type of arthritis, rather it shares similar symptoms and may cause arthritis in some cases.

General Arthritis

The term "arthritis" refers to the inflammatory diseases of the joints. This section covers the causes of joint pain and gives an overview of the different types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

This type of degenerative arthritis is so common; many people referring to “arthritis” mean just osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the break-down of cartilage in a joint from aging or repetitive movements.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis is a condition where psoriasis of the skin is linked to joint inflammation, commonly in the outmost joints of the extremities. Skin symptoms generally present before joint problems are detected.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the synovial fluid in the joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and possibly deformities in the affected joints.