What are the different types of arthritis?

It is estimated that a staggering 20.3 million people in the UK (that’s around 32% of the total population) currently live with a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis or back pain. 1 Although arthritis is more commonly associated with old age, there are over 100 different forms , which affect people of all ages – from young children and teenagers, to adults and the elderly.

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How is arthritis diagnosed?

If you think you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following arthritis symptoms, you should talk to a medical professional and seek a diagnosis.⁴

4 common types of arthritis

The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but there are over 100 different types that can affect different parts of the body such as hands, knees, fingers and hips. Here are a few common types of arthritis:

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK, affecting around one third of people aged 45 and above.⁵ It typically limits movement and causes pain in the hands, knees and hips (although other areas can be affected).

Osteoarthritis is the result of the tissue and cartilage within a joint breaking down and the body’s attempt to repair this damage.⁶ The condition causes joints to become difficult to move, which then leads to stiffness and pain. You may also experience tenderness, swelling or crackling noises of the joints.⁷

Am I at risk of osteoarthritis?

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis including:⁸

• Age
• Obesity
• Bone density
• Occupation
• Genetic factors.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects adults that are in their mid-40s or over. It’s also more common in women than men, although research now suggests that this gap decreases after the menopause.⁹ Your risk of osteoarthritis also increases if you have an existing joint injury or disease, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Handpicked content: What is osteoarthritis?

As a long-term condition, it’s important to see your doctor if you’re experiencing ongoing joint pain and stiffness. Early treatment can reduce the risk of further damage and prevent the condition from getting worse.

Am I at risk of rheumatoid arthritis?

This form of arthritis affects adults of all ages but is most often seen in those over 40, and is two to three times more likely to affect women than men.¹³ Other common risk factors of developing rheumatoid arthritis include obesity, smoking and genetics.¹⁴

4. Psoriatic arthritis

An inflammatory joint condition that affects approximately 30% of people who live with psoriasis, although not everyone with psoriatic arthritis develops psoriasis first.^{19 20} It causes joints to become painful, stiff, and swollen. The most commonly affected areas include the joints around your knees, hands and feet, as well as areas where tendons join the bone (like the heel and lower back).²¹

If diagnosed early, the effects of psoriatic arthritis can be slowed to minimise joint damage.^{22 23} There are currently studies being carried out by the University of Manchester, Imperial College London, UWE and the University of Glasgow into psoriatic arthritis, looking into new ways to manage symptoms, diagnose the disease and the role that genetics may play in the development of PsA.^{24 25 26 27}

If you want to learn more about arthritis, natural ways to support arthritis or advice on caring for stiff joints, you can find more information and articles here .