List of Different Types of Arthritis

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Published: 2015/06/23 - Updated: 2022/01/14
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Synopsis: General information and list of over 150 various types of arthritis, a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints in humans. The most 5 common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Children and teens get a type of arthritis called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). "Juvenile" means young (16 or younger) and "idiopathic" means cause unknown.

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Did you know there are more than 150 types of arthritis? Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe over 150 medical conditions and diseases, known as rheumatic diseases. The word arthritis is medically defined as joint inflammation. Inflammation is one of the human body's reactions to disease or injury, and includes swelling, pain, and quite often, stiffness. Inflammation that lasts for a very long time or recurs, as in arthritis, can lead to tissue damage.

So What Exactly is Arthritis?

Arthritis is defined as a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection.

The most 5 common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a third of adults who have arthritis report it limits their leisure and work activities. 25% of them state it also causes severe pain (7+ on the 0 to 10 point pain scale).

Children and teens get a type of arthritis called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). "Juvenile" means young (16 yrs of age or younger) and "idiopathic" means the cause is not known. JIA is also sometimes called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).

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An example of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of the hand.
An example of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of the hand.
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Many people confuse osteoporosis and different types of arthritis.

Similarities and Differences Between OPO, OA and RA

Risk FactorsOPOOARA
Age-related X X
Menopause X
Family history X X X
Use of certain medications (e.g., glucocorticoids, seizure medications) X
Calcium deficiency or inadequate vitamin D X
Inactivity X
Overuse of joints X
Smoking X
Excessive alcohol X
Anorexia nervosa X
Excessive weight X
Physical Effects
Affects entire skeleton X
Affects joints X X
Is an autoimmune disease X
Bony spurs X X
Enlarged or malformed joints X X
Height loss X
Treatment Options
Raloxifene X
Bisphosphonates X
Calcitonin X
Parathyroid hormone X
Estrogen/hormone therapy X
RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor X
Calcium and vitamin D X
Weight management X
Glucocorticoids X
NSAIDs X X X
Methotrexate X
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologic response modifiers, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. X
Pain Management
Pain medication (e.g., NSAIDS, narcotics, muscle relaxants) X X X
Rehabilitation X X X
Support groups X X X
Exercises: postural X X X
Exercises: isometric, isotonic, isokinetic X X X
Joint splinting X X
Physical therapy X X X
Passive exercises X X
Hip fracture surgical repair (may include hip replacement depending on type of fracture) X
Joint replacement surgery (usually for pain, malformation, or impaired mobility) X X
Heat and cold X X X
Massage therapy X X X
Acupuncture X X X
Psychological approaches (e.g., relaxation, visualization, biofeedback) X X X
Tai chi X X X
Low stress yoga X X X

Arthritis Prevalence in the U.S.

Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are the most common cause of disability among U.S. adults and have been for the past 15 years.

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Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World. (2015, June 23). List of Different Types of Arthritis. Disabled World. Retrieved December 1, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/health/autoimmunediseases/arthritis/arthritis-types.php

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