Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is by far the most common form of the condition. It is simply a degenerative disease caused by the natural wear and tear of life on your joints. As such it usually affects the weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, feet and spine. Many things can cause the disease, or make it more likely including genetic factors, obesity, repetitive use of the joints and trauma.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This version of the disease is also very common but is not related to natural wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. That means that it fools the immune system into thinking healthy cells in the joints are actually foreign bodies that need to be removed from your system. This condition can be chronic, causing pain, stiffness, difficulty moving and in some cases disability.
Gout
Gout is caused by the incorrect metabolism of uric acid in the body. This results in large deposits of acid crystals settling in the joints causing swelling and pain. Gout usually only affects the big toe, and is referred to as podagra in that case.
Psoriatic Arthritis
This condition is very similar to rheumatoid arthritis as it is an autoimmune disease. Psoriatic arthritis affects people who suffer from the skin condition, psoriasis. The joints will be inflamed, swollen and painful.
Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis refers to any form of arthritis that affects children. Due to the nature of the disease it is most likely to be rheumatoid arthritis. The condition is diagnosed if symptoms persist for around six weeks.
Infectious Arthritis
This form of the disease refers to arthritis that is caused by an infection by bacteria, fungi or a virus. There are many different forms of infectious arthritis, including septic arthritis which can be caused by an infection from bacteria.
