The Most Common Types of Arthritis

The term “arthritis” encompasses a large number of conditions, each with its unique symptoms and effects on the body. Here are brief explanations of the most common types of arthritis:

Osteoarthritis
The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis usually does not occur before age 45, but it can affect younger people. It starts when the cartilage in the joint begins to wear away, sometimes leaving only the ends of the bone to rub together. People most likely to develop osteoarthritis are those who are overweight, have a family history of osteoarthritis, have had a serious injury to a joint, or those who are inactive.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis usually strikes between ages 20 and 50. Inflammation begins in a joint, usually those of the fingers and hands, resulting in pain, swelling, redness, and eventually joint deformity. It is considered an autoimmune disease, which can affect the entire body, causing fatigue, weight loss, weakness, fever, and loss of appetite. It affects each person differently, with symptoms ranging from mild to debilitating. In many cases, it is difficult to control. In about one in six cases, rheumatoid arthritis becomes severely debilitating and can shorten the life of the person affected.

Gout
Gout is a condition caused when uric acid builds up in the blood, resulting in the formation of uric acid crystals, which deposit in the joints. These crystals cause sudden, severe pain and swelling in the joint. Control of gout can be achieved through careful attention to diet and use of appropriate medications. Gout is thought to be triggered by dietary excesses, too much alcohol, certain foods, crash diets, surgery, or a sudden illness. Foods high in purines should be avoided, such as wine, liver, and anchovies.

Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis, sometimes called Still’s disease, is an arthritic condition that affects children. Symptoms vary, and usually include: fevers that rise and fall, weakness, muscle and joint pain which moves to different parts of the body, and rheumatoid arthritis. Some children may recover completely, while others may be affected for their entire lives.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by diffuse, debilitating pain and fatigue. These often interfere with a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Often striking women between ages 20 and 50, symptoms can range from mild to severely debilitating. Symptoms (link to symptoms) are often brought on by overexertion, changes in weather, stress, anxiety, depression, and hormonal changes. There is currently no laboratory test that can definitively diagnose fibromyalgia

Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the spine that can result in fusion of the vertebrae. Those with this disease may experience spinal rigidity and will probably have a genetic marker called HLA-B27. This disease usually affects men between ages 16 and 35.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
This is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin, joints, muscles, and internal organs, occurring most often in women. Since the disease affects so many areas of the body, symptoms vary widely, and are different for each person. Symptoms can range from mild to life threatening.

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