Arthritis Types

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 arthritis types include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint.

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.

Fibromyalgia

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.

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.

Gout

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.

Joint Anatomy

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

Juvenile Arthritis

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.

Osteoarthritis

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

Pseudogout (CPPD)

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

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis is a condition where psoriasis of the skin is linked to joint inflammation, commonly in the outer most 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.

Credit: Arthritis-Health with our thanks!

One of my favorite books dealing with all of the arthritis types is:
The New Arthritis Cure: Eliminate Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Pain Permanently
by Bruce Fife.