Types of arthritis

This is a condition in which the whole joint is affected, including bone, cartilage and ligaments. There may be: 

• inflammation of the tissue around the joint 
• damage to cartilage
• formation of bony spurs

Any joint can be affected but those most often affected are knees, hips, finger joints and big toes. The most common symptoms are pain and joint stiffness.

Osteoarthritis is more common in people who are over 40 years old or who have had joint injuries.

Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis but the symptoms can be controlled.

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This is an autoimmune condition where your immune system starts attacking healthy tissues. 

In this form of arthritis, the lining of joints is attacked causing inflammation and joint damage. Hands and feet are most usually affected but larger joints can also be attacked.

Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in people who smoke and/or have a family history of this condition.

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Small crystals form in and around the joint causing inflammation, pain and swelling. The joint becomes very red, swollen and extremely painful. The most commonly affected joint is the big toe but other joints can also be impacted.

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This is an autoimmune condition that may just affect the skin or joints. In some people, the lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, brain or other parts of the body may be affected.

The most common symptoms are:

• joint pain and/or swelling in the hands or feet
• skin rashes
• sores in the mouth or nose
• anaemia (low red blood cell count). 

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This usually occurs in about one in 5 people who have psoriasis. Any joint can be affected and the symptoms are varied. 

The most common symptoms are: 

• pain, swelling and stiffness in joints
• inflammation of the spine (spondylitis)
• pain in tendons in the feet
• changes in nails
• pain and redness in the eyes

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This condition mainly affects the spine. 

Joints in the neck, back and pelvis become inflamed causing pain and stiffness.

The symptoms usually begin between the ages of 15 and 45 years.

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This autoimmune disease affects children and teens. 

The condition causes joint inflammation resulting in swelling, stiffness and pain, most often in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows and wrists. Other parts of the body may also be affected. 

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• Fibromyalgia
• Giant cell arteritis
• Haemochromatotic arthritis 
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Ross River virus.

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This information is based on Arthritis Australia information sheets – see Resources