Arthritis is a painful rheumatic condition that causes joint inflammation. There are many different types of arthritis that can affect the joints and other areas of the body and cause similar symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and stiffness.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Some common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Below, we explore these conditions, as well as other diseases that can present with arthritis. We also discuss potential treatment and when to seek medical guidance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), OA affects over 32.5 million adults in the United States.
Symptoms of OA include:
People often experience OA symptoms in the hips, hands, and knees.
The following increase the likelihood of developing OA:
Learn more about OA here.
RA is an autoimmune condition that causes painful swelling and inflammation in the joints. It typically affects the hands, wrists, and feet.
RA does not only affect joints. It can also cause problems in other organs of the body, including the heart, lungs, and eyes.
While some people experience a sustained progression of the disease, the intensity of symptoms usually comes and goes. Symptoms may include:
Another characteristic of RA is symmetrical involvement. This means pain and signs of inflammation occur on both sides of the body and in the same joints.
RA can cause lasting tissue damage, which can lead to:
Some people who have RA may also need assistance walking.
Some RA risk factors include:
Learn more about RA here.
PsA is an autoimmune condition.
Symptoms of PsA include:
PsA joint involvement is asymmetric, affecting different joints on either side of the body.
This type of arthritis can develop in people with a skin condition called psoriasis, which causes scaly, flushed, or silvery patches of skin. These patches can look different depending on a persons skin color.
Learn more about psoriasis on black skin here.
Researchers still do not fully understand what causes this form of arthritis. However, having a family history of PsA may increase a persons risk of developing this condition.
Learn more about PsA here.
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes painful swelling, often in a single joint at a time.
Symptoms of gout can flare up and go away quickly. They include:
Swelling is common in the big toe. Often, it also affects the knee or ankle joint.
A person may be at higher risk of developing gout if they:
Health conditions that may lead to gout include:
Gout may also occur due to metabolic syndrome, which is not a condition in itself. It refers to a number of characteristics, diseases, or habits that can make a person more likely to experience other health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.
Learn more about gout here.
This chronic illness is an autoimmune condition that commonly affects females aged 1544 years.
Lupus is not a type of arthritis in itself. However, arthritis is one of the most common symptoms of this condition.
One symptom of lupus is the characteristic butterfly rash that can develop on the face. Other rashes can also develop on the arms, hands, and face. Rashes can worsen after sun exposure.
While symptoms may differ from person to person, they generally include:
Learn more about lupus here.
Juvenile arthritis, also known as childhood arthritis, affects children or even infants.
Symptoms of juvenile arthritis include:
There is no known cause of childhood arthritis. It appears to affect children regardless of race, age, or background.
Learn more about juvenile arthritis here.
Reaching a definitive diagnosis may take time, because many types of arthritis are similar or resemble other conditions.
Typically, a doctor will first check a persons medical and family history. They will also ask about symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may run tests such as:
Arthritis management depends on the type of arthritis. There are different forms of treatment available.
Medical treatment for arthritis may involve:
Surgery may not be necessary for everyone with arthritis. However, it can benefit certain complications of arthritis that result in malalignment of joints and functional limitations due to damaged joints. It can also help with intractable pain, which is when a person experiences pain that is difficult to treat or manage.
Common surgeries for arthritis include:
Physical therapy can be a great option for people with arthritis. It can help ease pain or increase activity.
Behavioral changes that can help with arthritis may include:
Some people find certain home remedies helpful in relieving pain and swelling from certain types of arthritis. These may include:
If a person has experienced joint symptoms that last more than 3 days, they should seek treatment from a healthcare professional.
Similarly, if a person has joint symptoms at different times within a month, they should also contact a doctor.
Medications and other treatments can help a person manage chronic symptoms, such as pain and swelling.
Pain will come and go with many types of arthritis. However, even if the pain resolves, a person should still seek treatment.
It is important to treat arthritis early. If left untreated, some types of arthritis may worsen over time and cause permanent disability.
Arthritis is a painful condition that causes joint inflammation.
Different types of arthritis can cause similar symptoms. It is vital to get the correct diagnosis, as it can help determine most effective treatment options.
The right treatment may also prevent future complications and help a person live a more active life.
Here is the original post:
Common types of arthritis: Location, causes, treatment, and more - Medical News Today
- The Compression Fracture of Thoracic Spine Due to Methotrexate-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report - Cureus - February 15th, 2025
- Rheumatoid arthritis tied to cognitive decline in dementia - Medical Xpress - February 15th, 2025
- Tools and Devices to Improve Life and Mobility With Arthritis - U.S. News & World Report - February 15th, 2025
- Actor Adam Thomas Reveals How 'Eating Nothing But Meat and Eggs' is Easing his Arthritis Pain But These Are the Risks - Men's Health UK - February 15th, 2025
- New insights into the association between arthritis and overactive bladder in NHANES 20052020 - Nature.com - February 15th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market to Hit US$ 79.1 Billion - openPR - February 15th, 2025
- Psoriatic Disease, TNF Inhibitors, and Risk of Major Adverse Events - Medpage Today - February 15th, 2025
- The best treatments for arthritic knees if you want to avoid knee replacement surgery - The Telegraph - February 15th, 2025
- Early Launch Metrics Indicate UCBs Bimzelx (bimekizumab) Poised to Disrupt the U.S. Psoriatic Arthritis Market - GlobeNewswire - February 15th, 2025
- Rosnilimab shows promise in rheumatoid arthritis trial - Investing.com - February 15th, 2025
- 5 foods that keep your joints strong and healthy - Mint - February 15th, 2025
- If You Have Arthritis, This New Makeup Brand Is for You - Money Talks News - February 15th, 2025
- Lower Your Risk Of Rheumatoid Arthritis With These 5 Basic Habits - mindbodygreen - February 15th, 2025
- 'I treat top athletes with arthritis - cupboard staple ingredients are quite effective for pain and swelling' - GB News - February 15th, 2025
- AnaptysBio Whipsaws On Promising Results In Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment - Yahoo - February 15th, 2025
- Rheumatology enters the chat: research projects use AI and collaborative thinking to improve patient care - University of Alberta - February 15th, 2025
- In Patients with HS, a Closer Look at Stigmatization and Perceived Health Status - Medpage Today - February 15th, 2025
- Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Market is Set To Fly High in Years to Come: AbbVie Inc., Amgen Inc., Johnson & - EIN News - February 15th, 2025
- Sandoz Rolls Out Rival Version Of AbbVie's Arthritis Drug Humira - BW Healthcare World - February 15th, 2025
- GSK To Bounce Regulatory Submissions For Experimental Arthritis Drug - BW Healthcare World - February 15th, 2025
- Living With Arthritis: Health Information Basics for You and Your ... - January 27th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take - January 27th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis | Health Topics | NIAMS - January 27th, 2025
- 6 Things to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis - Hartford HealthCare - January 27th, 2025
- MAPK4 inhibits the early aberrant activation of B cells in rheumatoid arthritis by promoting the IRF4-SHIP1 signaling pathway - Nature.com - January 27th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Basics: Overview, Symptoms, and Causes - January 27th, 2025
- 8 Things You Should Do in Your 20s, 30s, and 40s to Prevent Joint Pain Later in Life - Self - January 27th, 2025
- 8 Natural Remedies to Relieve Join Pain and Improve Mobility - Health.com - January 27th, 2025
- East Texas vet tells what to watch for during cold weather in arthritic pets - KTRE - January 27th, 2025
- Research Shows a Link Between Inflammation in the Gut and Rheumatoid Arthritis - Health Central - January 27th, 2025
- Address to the Business Community Attend the Arthritis Foundation Event - TAPinto.net - January 27th, 2025
- The journey of 2-year-old with arthritis - PAHomePage.com - January 27th, 2025
- East Texas vet tells what to watch for during cold weather in arthritic pets - KLTV - January 27th, 2025
- Four tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis in the winter - Yahoo Lifestyle UK - January 27th, 2025
- Living with arthritis: Here's how diet, exercise, and daily habits can ease the pain - Moneycontrol - January 27th, 2025
- Sichuan wildlife park peddles tiger urine, claiming efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis, other conditions - Global Times - January 27th, 2025
- Non-surgical option to ease knee arthritis - The Week - January 27th, 2025
- Ease arthritis pain by adding 1 juice to your diet - Surrey Live - January 27th, 2025
- Four tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis in the winter - Yahoo News UK - January 27th, 2025
- Drinking one juice can ease arthritis pain, studies reveal - Daily Record - January 27th, 2025
- Annual Health Observances | NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) - October 6th, 2024
- Obesity dampens rheumatoid arthritis treatment effectiveness, satisfaction - Healio - October 6th, 2024
- Patient Perspectives: Finding Grace While Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatology Advisor - October 6th, 2024
- Rheumatoid arthritis tied to heavy economic and human burdens - Medical Xpress - October 6th, 2024
- Dual therapy can have synergistic effect in difficult-to-treat inflammatory diseases - Healio - October 6th, 2024
- Hand-Held Scanner Could Transform Cancer and Arthritis Diagnosis - Technology Networks - October 6th, 2024
- Medical imaging breakthrough could transform cancer and arthritis diagnosis - University College London - October 6th, 2024
- Citryll and leading rheumatology centres receive - GlobeNewswire - October 6th, 2024
- Its going to be ubiquitous: Weight loss drugs may aid rheumatic disease treatment - Healio - October 6th, 2024
- Comorbidities Associated With Psoriasis: 5 Things to Know - Medscape - October 6th, 2024
- Opinion: Let's treat arthritis with the seriousness it deserves - Vancouver Sun - October 6th, 2024
- New handheld scanner technology could transform cancer and arthritis diagnosis - The Engineer - October 6th, 2024
- Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis: Functional cartilage regeneration using 3d bioprinting technology - Open Access Government - October 6th, 2024
- Handheld scanner could transform cancer and arthritis diagnosis study - The Independent - October 6th, 2024
- Ankylosing Spondylitis and Self-Care: 6 Science-Backed Tips - Everyday Health - October 6th, 2024
- From a Labrador with arthritis to a goldfishs lifespan your pet queries answered... - The Sun - October 6th, 2024
- 15 Home Essentials That Make Life Easier If You Have Arthritis - HuffPost - September 21st, 2024
- Gout, a painful form of arthritis, is on the rise. Avoiding red meat and alcohol can help. - Yahoo Life - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pain - MedicineNet - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - U.S. News & World Report - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis can flare up in colder weather: Tips to easing the pan - Medical Xpress - September 21st, 2024
- See how Waymo is bringing Arthritis Foundation of Arizona families to the ballpark - ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix - September 21st, 2024
- Prevalence of Loneliness in Inflammatory Arthritis and its Association with Disease Activity - Physician's Weekly - September 21st, 2024
- Psoriatic Arthritis and Gluten: Whats the Link? - Health Central - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Southernminn.com - September 21st, 2024
- 6 Knee Injuries That Can Cause Arthritis - Health News Hub - September 21st, 2024
- The Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Care Tips To Soothe Painful Joints and Improve Mobility - Yahoo Life - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - El Paso Inc. - September 21st, 2024
- Shifting kneecap in kids? Early ligament repair can prevent arthritis in young Age: Experts - The Times of India - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Shelbynews - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Citizentribune - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - News-Daily.com - September 21st, 2024
- Casavant: Access to virtual care at risk for millions of arthritis patients - Daily Independent - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Avery Journal Times - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - The Elkhart Truth - September 21st, 2024
- What To Eat (And Skip) on a Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet To Reduce Painful Inflammation - Woman's World - September 21st, 2024
- Tiny knee bone linked to arthritis may have helped humans walk upright, scientists suggest - Sky News - September 13th, 2024
- Medical Marijuana Helps People With Arthritis And Other Rheumatic Conditions Reduce Use Of Opioids And Other Medications, Study Shows - Marijuana... - September 13th, 2024
- My 'stomach bug' turned out to be an agonising pain condition that left me wheelchair bound within four years - Daily Mail - September 13th, 2024
- Distinct mucosal endotypes as initiators and drivers of rheumatoid arthritis - Nature.com - September 13th, 2024