Arthritis isn’t a single disease. The condition—which is the #1 cause of disability in the U.S.—simply put, is joint inflammation, and there are over 100 types. Understanding the different types of arthritis and their symptoms can help you find the right WashU Medicine physician to help you manage your condition. The most common forms are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout and ankylosing spondylitis. Katherine Caldwell, MD, helps describe these types.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the gradual wearing away of cartilage over time that acts as padding at the ends of bones. As the cushioning disappears, a person’s bones begin to rub together, causing inflammation and discomfort.
Symptoms
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- Bone spurs
- Loss of full range of motion
- Tenderness
Treatment
OA can be managed in a variety of ways. Exercise, weight loss, anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections can help relieve pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. A person’s immune system attacks the body’s own joint tissues; the inflammation can affect other organs as well.
Symptoms
- Joint redness, pain, swelling and stiffness
- Palmar erythema (red palms)
- Joints that are warm to the touch
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
Treatment
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), anti-inflammatories and other medications are all options for treating RA.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is another autoimmune disease and is linked to psoriasis. In this condition, a person’s body will attack its own healthy tissues.
Symptoms
- Joint inflammation
- Joint pain (especially fingers and toes)
- Deformations of the affected joints
Treatment
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), anti-inflammatories and other medications are all options for treating PsA.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis in which excess uric acid builds up inside a person’s joints, causing sudden symptoms that can last up to two weeks.
Symptoms
- Severe joint pain (especially in the big toe)
- Warmth in the affected joint
- Sudden swelling
- Nighttime flare-ups
Treatment
Medications to decrease uric acid levels, applying ice, elevation, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, as well as surgery in severe cases, can all be used to manage gout.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is also called Bechterew’s disease. AS is an autoimmune disease that usually begins in early adulthood and causes chronic inflammation, often in the spine.
Symptoms
- Back pain
- Lower back and hip stiffness
- Fatigue
- Trouble taking in a full breath
- Digestive troubles
Treatment
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, anti-inflammatories, joint replacements, physical therapy and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can all be used in the treatment of AS.
WashU Medicine Specialists
WashU Medicine specialists can diagnose and treat all types of arthritis. From medications to surgery, we are here to help you.
- Orthopedic surgery: WashU Medicine Orthopedics has non-operative specialists who can help provide relief through physical therapy referrals and injections. Orthopedic surgeons can perform joint replacements and other operations that can help. For an appointment, call 314-514-3500.
- Pain management: WashU Medicine pain management specialists can help provide relief for discomfort through medications, injections and therapy. Please visit our website to learn more.
- Physical therapy: WashU Medicine physical therapists manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities through high-quality patient care. Schedule an appointment online.
- Rheumatology: WashU Medicine rheumatologists provide leading care for patients with rheumatic diseases, including arthritis. For an appointment, call 314-286-2635.