Types Of Arthritis (Types)

There are over 100 types of Arthritis but we are going to discuss the most common ones.

Arthritis isn’t a single condition—it’s an umbrella term that covers over 100 different joint-related disorders. Some types are more common than others, and understanding them can help you better manage symptoms, seek the right treatment, and improve your quality of life.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of arthritis, their causes, symptoms, and how they’re typically managed. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or are trying to understand your joint pain, this is a good place to start

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis

Causes:
Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions your joints wears down over time. This wear and tear can result from ageing, repetitive movements, previous injuries, or excess weight that puts pressure on the joints.

Symptoms:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling around the joint
• Clicking or popping sounds when you move
• Reduced flexibility or range of motion
• It usually affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine

Management:

• Joint replacement surgery in severe cases
• Low-impact exercises like swimming or walking
• Weight management
• Pain relief medications (NSAIDs, paracetamol)
• Physical therapy
• Joint-supporting devices (like braces or orthotics)

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune form of arthritis

Causes:
RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. It primarily affects the lining of the joints, causing painful inflammation that can lead to joint damage if untreated.

Symptoms:

• Pain and stiffness in multiple joints
• Swollen, warm, and tender joints
• Fatigue, fever, and weight loss
• Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
• Commonly affects the hands, wrists, and feet on both sides of the body

Management:

• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic therapies
• Corticosteroids for flare-ups
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• Lifestyle changes including diet and stress management

Gout

A painful form of inflammatory arthritis

Causes:
Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form sharp crystals in the joints. It’s often triggered by diet (red meat, alcohol, sugary drinks) or kidney issues.

Symptoms:

• Sudden, severe joint pain—often starting in the big toe
• Redness, warmth, and swelling
• Limited joint mobility during flare-ups
• Attacks can come on quickly and last for days

Management:

• Medications to lower uric acid levels (e.g. allopurinol)
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs or colchicine)
• Lifestyle changes: reduce alcohol, avoid purine-rich foods
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy weight

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4. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Linked to the skin condition psoriasis

Causes:
PsA develops in some people who have psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that affects the skin. Like RA, it causes joint inflammation, but it may also involve the skin and nails.

Symptoms:

• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
• Pitted or discoloured fingernails
• Swollen fingers or toes (dactylitis)
• Skin patches with silvery scales

Management:

• NSAIDs and DMARDs
• Biologics to target immune response
• Skincare treatments for psoriasis
• Exercise and physical therapy

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5. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Primarily affects the spine and pelvis

Causes:
AS is a type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly targets the spine and sacroiliac joints (where the spine meets the pelvis). The exact cause is unknown, but genetics (especially the HLA-B27 gene) play a role.

Symptoms:

• Lower back pain and stiffness, especially in the morning
• Pain improves with activity, and worsens with rest
• Fatigue and inflammation in other joints
• In severe cases, bones in the spine may fuse

Management:

• Physical therapy and posture training
• Regular exercise (stretching, swimming)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Biologics or DMARDs for advanced cases

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6. Reactive Arthritis

Triggered by an infection

Causes:
Reactive arthritis often develops after a bacterial infection—usually in the gut, urinary tract, or genitals. It is most common in young adults and tends to resolve on its own within months.

Symptoms:

• Pain and swelling in joints (usually knees, ankles, feet)
• Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis)
• Pain when urinating or genital discomfort
• Sometimes affects the skin and nails

Management:

• Antibiotics if infection is still present
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Rest and gradual return to activity
• In persistent cases, DMARDs may be used

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Final Thoughts

Understanding the types of arthritis is the first step toward effective treatment and symptom control. Each type has its unique features and management strategies. While there’s no cure for most forms of arthritis, early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan can significantly improve quality of life.