Before listing the different types of arthritis, let’s define what it is. We have all experienced occasional joint pains or soreness in our hands, knees or shoulders. That doesn’t mean it is some type of arthritis.

Arthritis is usually caused by inflammation of the tissue lining the joints. Symptoms include redness, pain and swelling. These problems are telling you that something is wrong. In some cases, or types of arthritis, this inflammation also produces degeneration and deformity in the joint.

There are several types of arthritis. The two most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This condition usually sets in with age and most often affects the fingers, knees, and hips. Sometimes osteoarthritis follows an injury to a joint. For example, a young person might hurt his knee badly playing football. Or someone is injured in a car accident or from a fall. He may develop arthritis in the knee many years after the injury has healed.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when the body’s own defense system fails to work properly. It affects joints and bones (often of the hands and feet), and may also affect internal organs and systems. You may feel sick or tired, and you may have a fever.

Crystals that build up in the joints cause another common type of arthritis known as gout. It usually affects the big toe, but many other joints may be affected.

Arthritis can also affect other parts of the body such as the skin, internal organs and eyes.

Researchers have identified several risk factors even though the exact cause of most types of arthritis is not yet known. These include obesity (being overweight puts additional stress on the joints), age (the risk increases with age), gender (arthritis appears to occur more frequently in women than men), and job related issues (repetitive movement, heavy lifting or frequent injury can lead to arthritic changes).

Arthritis affects approximately 70 million Americans. Or, put another way, it affects approximately one out of every three people. It is a major cause of lost work and disability. It can affect people of all ages but is most common among older adults. Diagnosis is done by a thorough medical evaluation and history, physical exam, blood tests and imaging studies.

The primary goals of treatment are to provide relief from pain, increase mobility in the joints and reduce strain around the joints. Physicians may recommend medication, hot or cold compresses, exercise, joint protection or surgery. With early diagnosis, most types of arthritis are managed well with pain and disability being minimized.

Although it cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take that will help reduce your risk or prevent permanent joint damage. By maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a healthy diet and protecting your joints at work you reduce your risk of developing arthritis.

For more information on arthritis and related conditions, contact any of the following organizations:

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
  Information Clearinghouse
  National Institutes of Health
  1 AMS Circle
  Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
  Phone: 301-495-4484
  Toll Free: 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)
  TTY: 301–565–2966
  Fax: 301-718-6366
  Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
  Website: http://www.niams.nih.gov
• Arthritis Foundation
  P.O. Box 7669
  Atlanta, GA 30357-0669
  Phone: 404-872-7100
  Toll Free: 800-283-7800
  Website: http://www.arthritis.org
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont, IL 60018-4262
  Phone: 847-823-7186
  Toll Free: 800-824-BONE (2663)
  Fax: 847-823-8125
  Email: pemr@aaos.org
  Website: http://www.aaos.org
• American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
  1800 Century Place, Suite 250
  Atlanta, GA 30345-4300
  Phone: 404-633-3777
  Fax: 404-633-1870
  Website: http://www.rheumatology.org