Common Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is a term that refers to joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and conditions related to arthritis. Currently, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.

The symptoms of different arthritis conditions range from joint swelling, pain, and discomfort to joint stiffness, decreased range of motion, and much more. The severity of symptoms will vary in severeness based on what type of arthritis you are dealing with.

People of all ages, races, and genders are affected by arthritis. If you are struggling with symptoms of arthritis, schedule an appointment with a Rheumatologist to figure out the best treatment plan for you.

Some of the most common types of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis

• Cause: wear & tear, or damage to joint cartilage
• Most Common Joints Affected: hands, hips, knees
• Occurrence: affects more than 32.5 million Americans
• Symptoms: pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of motion/flexibility

Gout

• Cause: abundance of uric acid in blood
• Most Common Joints Affected: big toe joints, lower limbs
• Occurrence: affects about 9.2 million Americans
• Symptoms: pain in joint, swelling, redness, warm to touch

Fibromyalgia

• Cause: unknown
• Most Common Joints Affected: neck, shoulders, hips, and knees
• Occurrence: affects about 4 million Americans
• Symptoms: chronic pain, fatigue, trouble sleeping, joint stiffness, tenderness to touch, problems concentrating, sensitivity to light, noise, smells and temperature, numbness or tingling in arms and legs

Lupus

• Cause: unknown
• Most Common Joints Affected: skin, joints, internal organs
• Occurrence: affects about 1.5 million Americans
• Symptoms: muscle or joint pain, fever, rashes, chest pain, hair loss, light sensitivity, kidney problems, mouth sores, fatigue, memory problems

Psoriatic Arthritis

• Cause: unknown
• Most Common Joints Affected: large joints, fingers, toes, back, pelvis
• Occurrence: affects about 1.5 million Americans
• Symptoms: scaly, inflamed patch of skin on the scalp, elbows, or knees, joint stiffness and swelling, pitting on your nails, nails separating from nail bed, tenderness in areas where ligaments attach to bone, inflammation in eyes

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Cause: immune system attacking healthy body tissue
• Most Common Joints Affected: small joints in the hands & feet; can also affect eyes and skin
• Occurrence: affects more than 1.3 million Americans
• Symptoms: joint pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased movement, low energy, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, firm lumps below the skin