Different Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition characterized by joint inflammation. It has various causes and many different types. Treatment depends on the specific type patients have. Although over 100 types of arthritis exist, most people afflicted have one of the main types of this chronic condition.

Common Types of Arthritis

The main types of arthritis have common characteristics such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. However, the manner in which arthritis affects joints differs.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, sometimes called "wear-and-tear" arthritis, is the most common type. Estimates indicate that more than 80% of adults over age 55 have it, even if they don't experience symptoms. About 60% have noticeable symptoms. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition occurring when the cartilage that lines the joints wear down over time. Cartilage is the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones that form a joint. It cushions this area to allow nearly frictionless movement. Cumulative damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, resulting in sometimes severe joint pain and restricted movement. Deterioration can occur over many years or be hastened due to a joint injury or infection. It occurs mainly in the knees and hips but can develop in the hands, neck or lower back.

Types of osteoarthritis

Healthcare providers classify osteoarthritis into two types: primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis develops in your joints over time and is usually caused by using your joints throughout life. Secondary happens when something directly damages one of your joints. Injuries and trauma are common causes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

 Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune state that causes the body to attack its own soft tissues and joints, beginning with the joint lining. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the synovial membrane of the joint capsule, which encases the entire joint. The lining becomes inflamed and swollen, causing joint pain. Hands and feet are commonly affected joints, but this autoimmune disease also causes elbow, shoulder, and neck problems. Joint swelling is often quite distinct in rheumatoid arthritis. As it progresses, the uncontrolled inflammation from the disease can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint. This can lead to the fusion of the affected joint as your body tries to protect itself from constant irritation.

In addition to affecting your joints, rheumatoid arthritis sometimes affects other body parts, including:

• Skin
• Eyes
• Mouth
• Lungs
• Heart
• Skin

Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 1.3 million people in the United States, with it being 2.5 times more common in women. This autoimmune inflammatory disease usually develops between the ages of 30 and 60. In patients who develop symptoms after age 60, it is called later-onset rheumatoid arthritis (LORA).

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is yet another auto-immune disease, but it tends to affect children and adolescents. The spectrum of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is broad. Some patients have just one joint involved, while others have many problems. The knee is the main JRA-related affected joint pain area. When this autoimmune disease develops between the ages of 16 and 40, it's called young-onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA).

Gout

This form of arthritis occurs when you have too much uric acid in your system. It occurs when you have a buildup of uric acid crystals within affected joints. These sudden episodes cause episodes of intense pain. It can affect one or more joints, but most commonly the big toe and sometimes the knee. Gout attacks can be excruciating and can happen suddenly. Symptoms can include:

• Severe pain
• Discoloration or redness
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Warmth

Gout attacks usually last one to two weeks. Between attacks, patients may not experience any symptoms.

Pseudogout

Pseudogout is a similar form of arthritis, but the original problem is different. It occurs due to the buildup of calcium deposits within the joint and commonly causes arthritis pain in the knee joint.

Lupus Arthritis

Arthritis is the most common expression of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE. It is part of the family of autoimmune diseases that can cause joint damage. Usually, five or more joints, including weight-bearing joints, are primarily affected, along with small joints like the hands and wrists. This immune system disease causes body-wide inflammation that affects many areas, including the kidneys, skin, blood, brain and other organs. It can cause joint pain, headaches, chest pain, and other symptoms like headaches, chest pain, fatigue, hair loss, sensitivity to light, fever, rash and kidney problems.

Spondyloarthropathies

These different types of arthritis include uncommon states such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome and enteropathic arthritis. These conditions include other widespread pain involving the back, heels and other areas. The spondyloarthropathies have specific chromosomal patterns usually thought to be related to a patient's genetics. Ankylosing spondylitis produces a unique set of symptoms in the lower back. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms generally include the autoimmune skin condition called psoriasis, which requires additional attention.

Infectious Arthritis

Infectious arthritis, also called septic arthritis, occurs when an infection occurs in the synovial fluid and tissues surrounding the joints. Treatments for septic arthritis depend on the origin of the infection but frequently require surgery to eliminate the disease from the affected area. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. Antibiotic treatment can help halt joint damage.

This condition occurs more often in children than adults. The infection usually reaches the joints through the bloodstream. In some cases, joints may become infected due to an injection, surgery, or injury. Various bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause arthritis pain. The types of organisms that can lead to developing arthritis of this type include:

• Staphylococci
• Haemophilus influenza
• Gram negative bacilli
• Streptococci
• Gonococci
• Viruses like HIV

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common agent causing infectious inflammatory arthritis. It can enter the body in numerous ways, including:

• Compound fractures
• Infections spreading from the skin or genitals
• Infected wounds
• Foreign objects penetrating the skin
• Injuries that break the skin

Hemorrhagic Arthritis

Many conditions can cause bleeding inside a joint, leading to chronic inflammation. These states include hemophilia, pigmented villonodular synovitis and sickle cell disease. These lead to blood accumulation, which eventually causes swelling and pain. Patients are more prone to this type of joint inflammation if they have another form of arthritis. The knees are the most commonly affected joints, but it can also develop in the elbows, hips and shoulders.

Get Help for Common Types of Arthritis

Our Seattle-area medical practice can help you manage your pain with effective arthritis treatments and lifestyle modifications. Contact our office today at 425-250-9999 or complete our convenient online form to schedule your consultation.