Arthritis Overview:

The term arthritis ("arth" meaning joint and "itis" meaning inflammation) refers to over 100 different conditions that affect joints (the areas where bones meet in your body) and sometimes muscles and other tissues.
Arthritis is usually classified as inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Common types of inflammatory arthritis include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive and Viral or Post Viral Arthritis, and Lupus. Non-inflammatory arthritis such as Osteoarthritis is generally considered to be due to "wear and tear" or degenerative changes of the joints leading to damage of joint surfaces.

Common Types of Arthritis:

Ankylosing Spodylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is arthritis involving the spine. It causes pain and stiffness in the back due to swelling and irritation of the vertebrae. This inflammation can eventually cause the Vertebrae to fuse together.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a medical term that describes a complex clinical disorder. Symptoms include widespread pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons. Other symptoms may include stiffness, fatigue and non-refreshed sleep.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that is characterized by higher than normal blood levels of uric acid. Uric acid is a waste product in the body, which is normally flushed out by the kidneys and excreted in urine. Uric acid forms crystals and deposits in the joints, most commonly the big toe. It can also occur in other joints including wrists, elbows, ankles, knees, and feet. Inflammation occurs in the joint in response to uric acid deposits. Pain, swelling, and increased temperature, are the signs and symptoms of this inflammatory process.

Lupus
Lupus is the name given to a group of chronic, autoimmune diseases. Skin rashes and sun sensitivity are common symptoms. The most common type of Lupus is SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus). In SLE, the body's immune system malfunctions resulting in a response, which results in inflammation and damage of normal tissues. Damage can occur in tissues of the heart, brain, kidneys and lungs.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a form of non-inflammatory arthritis, which is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, which covers and protects bones. Often due to "wear and tear", pain and swelling can occur when the cartilage breaks down. Eventually, the cartilage may wear away entirely and bones will rub together.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a type of arthritis that affects muscles of the neck, shoulders, low back, hips and thighs. Generally seen in people over the age of fifty, symptoms include severe pain, tenderness and stiffness. Fatigue, weight loss, depression and low-grade fever may also occur.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis in an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis (a disorder causing areas of the skin to become inflamed and covered with scales or plaques).
Finger and toenails can be affected by psoriasis. Inflammation can occur in joints of the wrists, ankles, spine, hips, fingers and toes.

Reactive Arthritis

Also known as Reiter Syndrome, Reactive Arthritis is a form of arthritis, which is characterized by inflammation in joints, eyes, and /or the genital, urinary and gastrointestinal tract. It is described as reactive because it is thought that the immune system is "reacting" to the presence of a bacterial infection.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that results in pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function. RA generally affects joints in a symmetrical pattern such as both hands, both feet. Joints commonly affected are the wrists, finger joints closest to the hand and others including the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and feet. Associated symptoms can include fatigue, occasional fever, and general malaise.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a condition where the skin thickens and becomes hard. Scar tissue forms in the skin as well as other organs of the body. There are two main types of scleroderma. One type affects mainly the skin and also muscles and joints. The other type, generalized scleroderma, affects the skin as well as internal organs such a heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder that is chacterized by dry mouth and dry eyes. Other tissues in the body can be affected. Muscles, joints, nerves, and internal organs such as the heart and glands such as the thyroid gland can be affected.