Types of Arthritis

By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

There are over 100 different types of diseases that affect the joints and are loosely termed arthritis. Some signs of arthritis include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling.

Typically arthritis is characterized by inflammation and loss of function of one or more joints of the body. Some of these are known as autoimmune diseases because they occur when the immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and disease, attacks the body’s own tissues.

Common types of arthritis

Some of the common types of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common type of arthritis. It primarily affects cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joint. Once affected the cartilage begins to erode away and may entirely wear off. This leads to joint pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis

This is an inflammatory disease of the lining of the joint. There is pain, stiffness, swelling and eventually joint damage, and loss of function of the joints. It may affect hands and feet of both sides of the body.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

This is the most common form of arthritis in childhood. It leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function of the joints. In addition, there may be rashes or fevers, and may affect various parts of the body.

Fibromyalgia

This is a pain syndrome that affects the body widely. Pain, stiffness, and localized tender points are found on various muscles and tendons, particularly those of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. In addition, there are tiredness and sleep difficulties.

Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE

This is an autoimmune disease. There is inflammation of and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain

Spondyloarthropathies

These affect the spine commonly. One of the common forms is ankylosing spondylitis that affects the spine, neck and sometimes the hips, shoulders, and knees.

Other types of arthritis