Types of Arthritis

What are the Different Types of Arthritis?

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related diseases. It is important to know which type of arthritis you have so you can treat it properly. If you don’t know which type you have, call your doctor or ask during your next visit.

Osteoarthritis - The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, or OA. OA affects about 21 million Americans. OA is sometimes called degenerative arthritis because it is caused by the breakdown of cartilage and bones, causing pain and stiffness. OA usually affects the fingers and weight-bearing joints, including the knees, hips, back and neck. It affects both men and women and usually occurs after age 45.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - In rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, an abnormality in the body’s immune system causes inflammation of the joints. Inflammation begins in the joint lining, or the synovium, and over time leads to damage of both cartilage and bone. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the same joints on both sides of the body. RA affects about 2.1 million Americans and is more common in women than in men.

Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia is a disease that causes widespread pain and distinct tender points, which are places on the body that are highly sensitive to touch and produce pain. People with fibromyalgia usually have fatigue, disturbed sleep and stiffness. Fibromyalgia is a common condition that usually affects women and it does not cause muscle or joint damage.

Lupus - Lupus is a disease that affects the skin and joints. In some people, lupus also affects the internal organs such as the kidneys, lungs or heart. Lupus affects women about eight to 10 times more often than men. Symptoms often first appear in women between ages 18 and 45. Some of the more common symptoms include a rash over the cheeks and across the bridge of the nose; scaly, disc-shaped sores on the face, neck and/or chest; abnormal sun sensitivity; kidney problems; and forms of arthritis.

Bursitis and Tendinitis - Bursitis and tendinitis are caused by irritation from injuring or overusing a joint. Bursitis affects a small sac called the bursa that helps to cushion the muscles and tendons surrounding the joint. Tendinitis affects the tendons that attach muscle to bone.

Other common forms of arthritis and related conditions include:

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Gout
• Vasculitis
• Scleroderma

How is Osteoarthritis Different?

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage begins to break down, usually gradually. As the cartilage wears away, the bones become exposed and rub against each other, which leads to pain. The deterioration of cartilage also affects the shape and makeup of the whole joint, so that it no longer functions smoothly. You may notice a limp when you walk, or you may have trouble going up and down stairs. This deterioration puts additional stress on the joint as it moves.

Other problems can occur inside the joint as cartilage breakdown affects the joint components. Fragments of bone or cartilage may float in the joint fluid, causing irritation and pain. Bony spurs or osteophytes can develop on the ends of the bones. Fluid inside the joint may not have enough of a substance called hyaluronan, which may affect the joint’s ability to absorb shock. And although inflammation is not a main symptom of osteoarthritis, it can occur in the joint lining in response to the breakdown of cartilage.

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