There are over two hundred kinds of arthritis some are rare, some more common, that fall into three categories: Inflammatory, Non-Inflammatory and Connective Tissue. Arthritis affects people of all ages, including children. In fact, some kinds of arthritis do tend to affect people in particular age groups, whilst others are more common in women than men.

Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. It is a general term that acknowledges something is wrong and is not a diagnosis in itself. Because there are so many different forms of arthritis, diagnosis can take a while and involve multiple visits to your GP or specialist (rheumatologist) and a lot of tests. Symptoms often reveal themselves gradually so it is important to tell the doctor about any new or changed symptoms. Patients should be referred to and consult a rheumatologist. Some of the specific conditions are:

Osteoarthritis (OA) This is most common in hands, knees, hips, feet and spine. It usually develops gradually, over several years, and the cause is unknown. Healthy cartilage that covers the bone end in the joint is very smooth, strong and flexible. In osteoarthritis this becomes pitted, rough and brittle. Bony outgrowths (osteophytes) form at the outer edges of the joint, making it look knobbly and often there is some inflammation. The joint may become stiff and painful to move and occasionally swells. Whilst the pain itself can be very unpleasant, it does not generally make one feel unwell.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) This is an inflammatory disease which mainly affects joints and tendons. This inflammation causes damage and can go on for a long time, or come and go. The body's immune system puts itself into reverse and attacks certain parts of the body instead of protecting it. This 'auto immune reaction' occurs mainly in the joints but in a 'flare-up' other organs can be affected. Tiredness and a general feeling of fatigue coupled with early morning stiffness, can last for several hours.

Secondary Arthritis This sometimes develops after an injury which damages a joint although it may not appear until many years later.

Gout This is caused by uric acid crystals in the joints. When there is too much uric acid in the tissues, it can form crystals in and around joints. If crystals enter the joint space they cause inflammation, swelling - and severe pain.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) This is an inflammatory condition affecting the muscles in and around the shoulder and upper arm areas, buttocks and thighs. The cause of inflammation is unknown but Polymyalgia usually starts very suddenly. The main symptom is stiffness which usually restricts mobility, particularly in the early part of the day. This usually eases as the day progresses but often returns in the evenings. In contrast to rheumatoid arthritis the joints are not usually involved though occasionally there can be associated inflammation in joints such as the shoulder, hip and wrist. Frequently there is an associated loss of weight and appetite.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Lupus

Medical text written October 2000 by Arthritis Care. Approved October 2000 by Dr D Doyle. Last updated October 2005 by Dr D Doyle, Consultant Rheumatologist and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Panel of Arthritis Care, London, UK.

ARTHRITIS CARE

Arthritis Care
18 Stephenson Way
London
NW1 2HD
Tel: 0808 800 4050 Helpline (Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm)
Fax: 020 7380 6505
Web: http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk
e-mail: helplines@arthritiscare.org.uk
The Source - a helpline for young people with arthritis (under 26)
Tel: 0808 808 2000 (Mon - Fri, 10am - 2pm)
e-mail: thesource@arthritiscare.org.uk

Arthritis Care is a National Registered Charity No. 206563, established in 1948. It offers helpline support and advice to individuals, parents and young people. It publishes a magazine 'Arthritis News' six times a year and has a wide range of information available, details on request. Please send SAE. The organisation has 66,000 members - adults, young people and children.

Group details last confirmed March 2007.