Types of arthritis
Types of Arthritis
At Arthritis Support we have identified some of the many arthritis that refers to inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common and clinically significant types include:
Cause: Wear-and-tear of cartilage over time.
Common Sites: Knees, hips, hands, spine.
Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness (especially after inactivity), decreased flexibility.
Typical Onset: Middle-aged and older adults.
Cause: Autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks joint linings.
Common Sites: Hands, wrists, knees, feet (symmetrical involvement).
Symptoms: Swelling, pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), fatigue.
Typical Onset: Ages 30–60, more common in women.
Cause: Autoimmune condition often associated with psoriasis.
Common Sites: Fingers, toes, spine, nails.
Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, skin and nail changes.
Typical Onset: Ages 30–50.
Cause: Chronic inflammation, mainly affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.
Common Sites: Spine, hips.
Symptoms: Back pain, stiffness (improves with activity), posture changes.
Typical Onset: Late teens to 30s, more common in men.
Cause: Buildup of uric acid crystals in joints.
Common Sites: Big toe, feet, ankles, knees.
Symptoms: Sudden, severe pain, swelling, redness.
Typical Onset: Middle-aged men, postmenopausal women.
Cause: Autoimmune inflammation in children.
Common Sites: Knees, wrists, hands.
Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, growth issues, eye inflammation.
Typical Onset: Children under 16.
Cause: Autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs, including joints.
Symptoms: Joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, kidney involvement.
Common Sites: Hands, wrists, knees (can be widespread).
Cause: Reaction to infection (e.g., gastrointestinal or urinary).
Symptoms: Joint pain, eye inflammation, urinary symptoms.
Common Sites: Knees, ankles, feet.
