Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically joints where two or more bones meet.
Most of the adults with arthritis in Australia have osteoarthritis. Other prevalent types are gout arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Learning about which form of arthritis you have will help you manage your condition better. Below are some of the most common types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It affects the whole joint, particularly the protective cushion of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones. Although often described as due to ‘wear and tear’, it is the result of several factors including inflammation, injury or ageing.
Gout Arthritis
Gout arthritis (known commonly as ‘gout’) is the second most common form of arthritis in Australia. Sharp crystals of uric acid form in and around the joints, causing excruciating pain and swelling (often in the big toe). Gout arthritis attacks can come on quickly. If untreated, gout arthritis can become chronic, leading to permanent joint damage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common inflammatory form of arthritis that causes painful, stiff, swollen joints and can affect people of any age. Instead of protecting the body from infection, the immune system attacks healthy tissue instead, causing inflammation and joint damage. As an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other parts of the body.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints of the lower back. Symptoms include chronic back pain and stiffness. In severe cases, the affected joints in the spine may become fused and inflexible. There may also be deformity or curving of the spine.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia often causes widespread pain – people describe it as ‘hurting all over’. The pain can vary from person to person, come and go, and change in intensity during the day. Fibromyalgia often runs in families. People with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or ankylosing spondylitis are also more likely to develop fibromyalgia although it is not a disease of the joints or an inflammatory condition.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the name given to many types of arthritis that occur in children. JIA is an autoimmune condition. The body’s immune system, which generally protects against infection, attacks healthy tissues by mistake, creating inflammation. The symptoms of JIA vary from person to person and can come and go from day to day and week to week.