Types

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.

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

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and widespread musculoskeletal pain syndrome, the hallmarks of which are tenderness, amplified pain, and severe fatigue. Unlike arthritis, the pain is not typically related to inflammation.

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.

Gout is an often painful type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in a joint. Gout commonly affects the big toe, though other joints in the foot, knee, elbow, wrist, and fingertips can become painful as a result of gout.

Joints can be the source of pain and discomfort caused by many forms of arthritis and other conditions.

Juvenile arthritis is an umbrella term that encompasses over 100 different childhood inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), Kawasaki disease, and juvenile fibromyalgia.

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.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease affecting older adults. Learn more about the common symptoms and causes of polymyalgia rheumatica as well as how the condition is diagnosed and the available treatment options.

Pseudogout (CPPD) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when calcium pyrophosphate crystals accumulate in a joint. Pseudogout can affect any joint in the body, but is found most commonly in the knee.

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.

Reactive arthritis is type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection. The condition often causes pain and inflammation in the joints and eyes as well as skin problems.

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.