Types of Arthritis: An Overview of Various Forms of Joint Inflammation

Arthritis is a general term describing over 100 specific types of joint-related conditions. Each type of arthritis affects the joint, the tissue that surrounds the joint, or other connective tissue in a slightly different way. Rheumatology is the area of medicine specialized in diagnosing and managing arthritis and other conditions affecting joints, muscles, bones, and also the immune system. Rheumatologists are well-trained professionals who specialize in handling conditions that include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis along with other auto-immune or inflammatory conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Here's an in-depth list of the most common types of arthritis:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA)

Often called "wear and tear" arthritis, this arthritis arises when the cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones in your joints wears down.

Symptoms

Osteoarthritis (OA) typically impacts the knees, hips, lower back, hands, and neck, with symptoms that may include:

• Pain

• Stiffness

• Swelling

• Reduced Flexibility

Risk Factors

• Ageing

• Overuse of joints

• Injury

• Obesity

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the synovium that surrounds the joints, and gradually leads to joint destruction because of an inflammatory process.

Symptoms

Includes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and morning stiffness; often accompanied by low-grade fever. May be present in several joints at once, commonly symmetrically.

Risk Factors

Family history; female gender; smoking; environmental factors.

3. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) 

Psoriatic Arthritis is one of the manifestations associated with persons suffering from psoriasis, an autoimmune disease affecting the skin. Characterized with symptoms like joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, these often accompany lesions on the skin.

Symptoms

Swollen joints, pain in the fingers and toes (dactylitis), nail pitting, and reduced range of motion. It even affects the spine, causing stiffness in the neck or back.

Risk Factors

• Genetic predisposition

• Immune system disorders

• Prior history of psoriasis

4. Ankylosing Spondylitis

Rheumatoid condition of the vertebral column; in which it primarily includes chronic inflammation in the space between the vertebral bodies, which can cause overlap of bones in the vertebrae.

Symptoms

Chronic pain and stiffness in the back and inability to move. In time, mobility of the vertebral column may be reduced, whereas the patient may gain a stooped posture in advanced conditions.

Risk Factors

• Male gender

• Family history

• Presence of the HLA-B27 gene

5. Gout

It results from an abnormal accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, mainly resulting from an extremely high concentration of uric acid in the blood. Gout usually affects one joint at a time, although more commonly the big toe.

Symptoms

Sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected joint. Often nighttime symptoms.

Risk Factors

• High-purine diet (red meat, seafood)

• Alcohol use

• Obesity

• Certain medications

• Family history

6. Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - SLE)

An autoimmune disease in which the body causes inflammation in various organs, including the joints. It impacts more than just the joints - it affects the skin, kidneys, blood cells, and heart as well.

Symptoms

Joint pains/swellings, skin rashes (often a butterfly-shaped rash on the face), fatigue, and fevers. Lupus-related arthritis causes less joint damage than RA.

Risk Factors

• Genetic

• Hormonal (more women than men)

• Environmental

• Specific infections

• Medications

7. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)  

Most common form of arthritis in children under 16 years of age. Has several subtypes and the defining features are persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Symptoms

Swollen joints, feeling tired, fever, and sometimes uveitis.

Risk Factors 

The cause is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors may play a role.

8. Reactive Arthritis 

A type of arthritis that is triggered by an infection elsewhere in the body, such as in the urinary or gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms 

Pain and swelling in the affected joints, typically the knees, ankles, and feet; conjunctivitis of the eyes; skin; and urethra

Risk Factors

History of bacterial infection, commonly sexually transmitted infections or food poisoning

9. Septic Arthritis 

A septic joint is caused by an infectious process that leads to inflammation in one of the joints. It may result from bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Symptoms 

A lot of pain, swelling, redness, warmth around the joint, fever. It affects the knee, hip, or shoulder joints most often.

Risk Factors

Pre-existing joint problems, a weakened immune system, recent joint surgery or injury, intravenous drug use.

10. Enteropathic Arthritis 

Presents with people diagnosed with IBD, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms 

Arthritis-like symptoms, specifically pain and swelling on the lower limbs and spine and also IBD-associated gastrointestinal symptoms.

Risk Factors 

Inflammatory bowel disease, genetic, and immune dysregulation.

11. Sjögren's Syndrome 

An autoimmune disease mainly affecting exocrine glands and, to a lesser extent, causing arthritis-like symptoms characterised by arthralgia and arthritis.

Symptoms

Dry eyes and mouth, joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, along with fatigue and sometimes skin rashes.

Risk Factors

Autoimmune diseases (commonly occurs with RA or lupus), gender (more in women), and age.

12.  Polymyalgia Rheumatica 

Causes muscle pain and stiffness, mostly in the shoulders and hips, and does not directly damage the joints.

Symptoms

Pain and stiffness of the shoulders, neck, hips, and sometimes fever and tiredness. 

Risk Factors

Older age (usually older than age 50), female gender, and Scandinavian or Northern European ancestry.

13. Fibromyalgia 

Not technically a form of arthritis, but fibromyalgia is classified with arthritis because its symptoms involve widespread musculoskeletal pain.

Symptoms

Chronic widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and tender points around the body. It is not associated with joint damage.

Risk Factors

Genetics, trauma, stress, and infections.

14. Scleroderma

The autoimmune disease results in the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. In some patients, it affects internal organs and joints.

Signs and Symptoms

Thickened, tight skin, joint pain and stiffness, and sometimes problems with internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and heart.

Risk Factors 

Scleroderma is more prevalent in women and may involve a genetic predisposition. In some cases, environmental exposure to silica dust or other infections can trigger the onset of scleroderma.

15. Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis 

These are inflammatory diseases characterized by muscle weakness. The dermatomyositis, on the other hand, is distinguished by the appearance of a rash on the skin in addition to the inflammation of muscles.

Symptoms

Muscle weakness, particularly around the hips, shoulders, and neck. Dermatomyositis also leads to a specific skin rash.

Risk Factors

Not known; however, could be connected to both genetics and the environment.

Conclusion

Arthritic conditions can have a significant impact on quality of life, but most can be managed with proper treatment, lifestyle changes, and early intervention. Because symptoms, causes, and treatments vary among individuals, those affected should consult healthcare providers for personalized care and guidance.

At Marengo Asia Hospitals, our experienced specialists in rheumatology provide comprehensive care for a variety of arthritis types and help patients manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Our rheumatologists offer the latest diagnostic tools and treatments tailored to your needs.

To know more about rheumatology, its diagnosis, and treatment options, visit our dedicated page on Rheumatology.