Most Common Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and usually affects the joints of the hands, feet, hips, knees, and spine. Although once thought to be caused by the wear and tear of aging, we now know that OA is due to abnormal joint loading (from obesity and joint injury) and systemic factors (such as genes, inflammation, aging, and sex). All of these factors break down the joint cartilage (the tough material that covers the bones) and the underlying bone. Signs and symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced joint range of motion.

For more information:

• Osteoarthritis - The Arthritis Society

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis causes redness, pain, swelling or a hot (or warm) feeling in the lining of a joint. The inflammation may also affect other internal organs, such as the eyes, lungs, or heart. RA can affect any joint, but the most commonly involved are in the hands, wrists, and feet.

For more information:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis - The Arthritis Society

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. Lupus can affect men, women, and children of any age, but its onset is most typically in women of childbearing age (ages 15 to 45 years). Systemic lupus erythematosus is eight to ten times more common in women than men.

For more information:

• Systemic Lupus Erthematosus - The Arthritis Society

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body that is not adequately flushed out by the kidneys. It most often affects the big toe but can also affect the ankle, knee, foot, hand, wrist or elbow. Gout is often characterized by painful flare-ups lasting days or weeks followed by long periods without symptoms.

For more information:

• Gout - The Arthritis Society

Childhood Arthritis (or Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis)

Chronic arthritis in children and adolescents, called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is a chronic disorder associated with serious disability for many of those affected. The most common presenting symptoms of JIA are joint swelling, stiffness or pain, and can occur in one joint or many joints, Approximately one in 1,000 children under the age of 16 years suffers from arthritis. JIA is among the most common childhood chronic disorders.

For more information:

• Childhood Arthritis - The Arthritis Society

For more information on other types of arthritis:

• Types of Arthritis - The Arthritis Society