Arthritis: Types, Symptoms, Risks and Treatment

What it is

If your body hurts, feels stiff, or you have trouble moving, you might have arthritis — a name often used for any disorder of the joints, the places where two bones meet, such as the elbow or knee. Most types cause joint pain and inflammation (swelling), and over time a swollen joint can be badly damaged. Some types also affect organs such as the eyes or skin. Treatment depends on the type.

Common types

• Osteoarthritis — the most common type, often linked to aging or injury.
• Autoimmune arthritis — the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells; rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form.
• Juvenile arthritis — arthritis in children.
• Infectious arthritis — an infection that has spread to a joint from elsewhere in the body; reactive arthritis is one type.
• Psoriatic arthritis — affects people with psoriasis, which causes itchy or sore, scaly red and white skin patches.
• Gout — painful arthritis caused by too much uric acid; it often starts in the big toe but can affect other joints.
• Ankylosing spondylitis — arthritis of the spine, causing stiffness and making it hard to move and bend.

Symptoms

Pain, redness, warmth and joint inflammation are common, and a joint may not move as well as it should. Some people have fever, weight loss, breathing difficulties or a rash. Symptoms often worsen with age, and some can be signs of other illnesses.

Who's at higher risk

• Family history — some types run in families.
• Age — the risk of many types rises as you get older.
• Sex — some types are more common in women, others in men.
• Other factors — an earlier joint injury, obesity or lupus.

Diagnosis

Your provider may ask about your medical history and symptoms, do a physical exam, and order blood tests or x-rays. You may be referred to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis, for tests, diagnosis and care.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and may include medicine or surgery; your provider will work with you to ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Ways to manage symptoms include hot or cold packs, relaxation techniques, and splints, braces or assistive devices.

Sources

Based on "Arthritis," MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, drawing on the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; a work of the United States government in the public domain.