Various Types of Arthritis

Description: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and is the most common form of arthritis. Common in the elderly, early onset may be caused by bone abnormalities. Other causes include trauma to or infection of the joint. Patients suffer from stiff joints and pain.

Also known as: RA

Description: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by stiff and painful joints, particularly in the hands, feet, and spine. The autoimmune response is often a byproduct of untreated infections, including streptococcus A, and also affects other body systems as rheumatic fever. The inflammation affects women more often than men.

Description: Septic arthritis is inflammation of the joints caused by infection. The infectious agent can be viral, bacterial, or fungal though bacterial is most common. This form of arthritis usually only affects one or a single joint based on the point of entry for the infectious agent which is usually Staph in adults.

Also known as: Metabolic arthritis

Description: Gout is a pain and stiffness of the joints, particularly in the big toe, caused by accumulation of uric acid crystals. The crystals build up due to hyperuricemia, often because of kidney dysfunction or associated disorders, and are deposited in the cartilage causing inflammation. It is associated with a characteristic burning sensation.

Also known as: AS, Spondyloarthritis

Description: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, degenerative inflammatory disease of the joints, particularly in the spine. It results in vertebral fusion. AS is considered to be a rheumatic disease.