Common Types of Arthritis and Their Symptoms

Arthritis Symptom

There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis. Here are the most common types and their symptoms:

Osteoarthritis Arthritis Symptoms

This is also called degenerative arthritis. It occurs when the cushioning cartilage in a joint breaks down. It commonly affects feet, knees, hips, and fingers and affects 16 million Americans, mostly 45 and older. Half of those 65 and older have this form of arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

The immune system attacks the lining, or synovial membrane, of the joints. This causes joint damage which can become severe and deforming. It involves the whole body, and may also cause fatigue, weight loss and anaemia, and affect the lungs, heart and eyes. Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 2.1 million Americans, three times more women than men.

Gout Arthritis Symptoms

The symptoms are sudden, severe attacks, usually in the big toe, but any joint can be affected. This is a metabolic disorder in which uric acid builds up in the blood and crystals form in joints and other places. Drugs and proper attention to diet can control gout. Gout arthritis affects about 1 million Americans (70 to 80 percent men), with first attack starting between 40 and 50 years of age.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Arthritis Symptoms

This is a chronic inflammatory disease of the spine that can result in fused vertebrae and rigid spine. It is often milder and harder to diagnose in women. Most of the people with the disease also have a genetic marker known as HLA-B27. This affects about 318,000 Americans, usually men between the ages of 16 and 35.

Juvenile Arthritis Symptoms
The most common form of this is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis, treatment, and disease characteristics are different in children and adults. Some children recover completely; others remain affected throughout their lives. This form of arthritis affects about 200,000 Americans.

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

The bone and other joint tissues become inflamed. Like rheumatoid arthritis, it can affect the whole body. This disease affects about 5 percent of people with psoriasis, a chronic skin disease. It is most likely to affect fingers or spine. The symptoms are mild in most people but can be quite severe. It affects about 160,000 Americans.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Symptoms

This disease involves skin, joints, muscles, and sometimes internal organs. Symptoms often appear in women of childbearing age but can occur in anyone at any age. This is also called lupus or SLE and can be mild or life threatening. This disease affects at least 131,000 Americans, nine to ten times as many women as men.