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 * Health A-Z


ARTHRITIS

Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Diagnosis Living With Support & Coping
Joint Pain Rheumatoid Arthritis
More
Gout Ankylosing Spondylitis Osteoarthritis More Arthritis Types & Related
Conditions Psoriatic Arthritis
Medically reviewed by Marissa Sansone, MD
Updated on June 30, 2023

Arthritis is an umbrella term for a group of more than 100 inflammatory
conditions that affect the joints.  Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are
the most common types, but there are many other forms. Diagnosing arthritis can
involve blood tests, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with
tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Treatment is different
depending on the cause, but the goal is always to relieve pain and inflammation
while maintaining function.


UNDERSTANDING ARTHRITIS


Don't Ignore the Warning Signs of Arthritis



Common Causes of Inflammation and How to Reduce It



10 Ways to Stop Arthritis From Getting You Down



Acute Arthritis: What Sudden Joint Pain Could Mean for You



KEY TERMS

Autoimmune Disease Cartilage Synovial Membrane Uric Acid Crystals
 * Autoimmune Disease
   
   In autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy
   tissues or substances in your body as dangerous infectious agents like
   viruses or bacteria. It then creates antibodies that attack and attempt to
   destroy that tissue or substance, leading to damage, inflammation, and pain.
   More than 100 autoimmune diseases have been identified.
   
   An Overview of Autoimmune Diseases
 * Cartilage
   
   Cartilage is a flexible but tough tissue that’s found in your joints, ears,
   nose, and airways. In joints, cartilage is basically a cushion and shock
   absorber, providing a smooth, low-friction surface for bones to glide over
   when you move. When it’s worn away or damaged, such as in arthritis, the
   result is pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the joint.
   
   What to Know About Cartilage
 * Synovial Membrane
   
   Also called the synovial lining or synovium, this is a thin connective tissue
   that contains synovial fluid. The synovium is inside your joints, providing
   padding between bones, muscles, and connective tissues. As you move, this
   membrane can change its shape and be compressed without being damaged. This
   is essential for proper movement of your joints.
   
   Anatomy of Synovium
 * Uric Acid Crystals
   
   Also called urate crystals, these are spiky crystalline structures that form
   inside joints when uric acid levels become abnormally high, as they do in
   gout. Uric acid crystals lead to considerable pain and often extreme
   inflammation. In later stages of gout, they may form clusters called tophi.1




TYPES


Is Arthritis an Autoimmune Disease?



Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis



Different Types of Arthritis and Pain Characteristics



The Different Types of Hand and Finger Arthritis



Osteoarthritis vs. Arthritis: What’s the Difference?



Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: How They Differ




LIVING WITH ARTHRITIS


How to Apply for Ankylosing Spondylitis Disability



Exercises for Psoriatic Arthritis: Benefits and Tips to Get Started



What Is Arthritis?



Tips for Keeping Your House Clean Without Hurting Your Back



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 * What causes arthritis?
   
   Arthritis has four main causes.
   
    * Degenerative (osteoarthritis): Age, overuse, or injury destroy the
      cartilage cushioning the joint.
    * Inflammatory (RA, psoriatic arthritis): Autoimmunity causes damage and
      inflammation. 
    * Metabolic (gout): Uric acid build up causes symptoms.
    * Infectious (acute arthritis): Bacteria or a virus infect the joint or
      joint fluid.
   
   Learn More Arthritis Causes and Risk Factors
   
 * What is rheumatoid arthritis?
   
   Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease in which
   the immune system misfires and tries to destroy the lining of your joints
   (the synovium). In some cases, it has systemic effects and may target the
   eyes, heart, lungs, or other tissues. RA is a progressive disease that can
   lead to pain, loss of mobility, and joint deformity.
   
   Learn More Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview
   
 * What is psoriatic arthritis?
   
   Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated disease
   involving joint pain and skin lesions. A misfiring immune system damages skin
   cells called keratinocytes and the resulting inflammation can spread to the
   joints, nails, eyes, brain, and kidneys. Sausage-like swelling in the fingers
   and toes, nail deformity, and persistent fatigue are also common symptoms.
   
   Learn More Psoriatic Arthritis Overview
   
 * What does arthritis feel like?
   
   While symptoms vary from one type to another, most forms of arthritis share a
   group of symptoms, especially in the early stages. These include:
   
    * Joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
    * Limited range of motion in affected joints
    * Redness and warmth around sore joints
    * Nodules and nodes
    * Systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and malaise
   
   Learn More Symptoms of Arthritis
   
 * How can I prevent arthritis?
   
   You may be able to lower your risk of developing some types of arthritis
   through lifestyle modifications, such as:
   
    * Losing weight
    * Getting regular, moderate exercise
    * Protecting your joints during contact or high-impact sports
    * Not smoking or using tobacco
    * Eating an anti-inflammatory diet
   
   Learn More Lowering Your Risk of Arthritis
   
 * How is arthritis diagnosed?
   
   If your doctor suspects arthritis, they’ll likely examine your painful
   joints; order blood tests to check for inflammation, autoimmunity, or other
   potential markers; and send you for imaging studies, such as X-rays or
   magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that can reveal damage to your joints and
   bones. They may also take steps to rule out other potential causes of your
   symptoms.
   
   Learn More Diagnosing Arthritis
   
 * Does cracking your knuckles cause arthritis?
   
   No, you can not give yourself arthritis by cracking your knuckles, no matter
   what your mother may have told you. The cracking sound you hear is just
   dissolved gasses quickly being released from the capsule that cushions your
   joint. That release is necessary for the capsule to expand properly when
   under pressure. Even so, too much cracking can damage the connective tissues
   surrounding the joint.
   
   Learn More Knuckle Cracking and Arthritis
   


Using Ozempic Could Reduce Your Risk of Developing Osteoarthritis



DIY Acupressure Could Relieve Arthritis Knee Pain. Here’s How to Do It



Can Weather Changes Really Make Arthritis Symptoms Worse?



Motrin vs. Advil



Trapeziectomy: Everything You Need to Know



How Ankylosing Spondylitis Affects Women Differently



What Is The Difference Between Arthritis and Bursitis?



Exercises to Help With Arthritis in the Big Toe



The Best Shoes for Arthritis



4 Exercises to Avoid if You Have Neck Arthritis



What You Need to Know About Arthritis Socks



Exercises to Build Strength in Arthritic Knees



Meloxicam vs. Naproxen for Pain



Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and Inflammation: What’s the Link?



The Differences Between RA and Other Types of Arthritis



What Is Cystic Fibrosis–Related Arthritis (CFRA)?



Infusions for Arthritis: What to Know



How Menthol Eases Arthritis Pain



Pain Medication for Arthritis



Causes and Treatment of Swollen Finger Joints



What to Know About Arthritis and Pregnancy



When Arthritis Causes Joint Pain on One Side of the Body



Mixing Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Prednisone: What You Should Know



Early-Onset Arthritis: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment



Can Acupuncture Help Arthritis Pain?



What Is Mild Arthritis?



What Is a Bone Spur in the Knee?



Symptoms of Knee Arthritis



Can Arthritis Shorten Your Lifespan?



Improving and Increasing Synovial Fluid



How to Get Rid of Arthritis in the Fingers



What Causes Bone Spurs in the Hand?



Carpal Tunnel vs. Arthritis: Similarities and Differences



What Does Arthritis Look Like? Recognizing the Symptoms



Best Climate for Arthritis



Is Sugar Bad for Arthritis?



Fish Oil for Arthritis and Joint Pain: Can It Help?



Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis



How Arthritis Is Diagnosed



Causes and Risk Factors of Arthritis



How Arthritis Is Treated



Arthritis Can Be a Systemic Disease



Scleroderma Types, Pictures, and Symptoms



An Overview of Medications for Treating Psoriatic Arthritis



DIP Psoriatic Arthritis (DIP PsA) Symptoms and Treatment



An Overview of Perthes Disease



An Overview of Arthritis Mutilans



Still’s Disease Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis



Hives, Rashes, and Other Skin Problems in Rheumatoid Arthritis



How Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Life Expectancy?



An Overview of Psoriatic Arthritis Triggers



Risks of Consuming Alcohol With Humira



Psoriatic Spondylitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment



Managing Arthritis of the Knee Joint



Managing Knuckle Pain: Relief and Recovery Based on Cause



Stiff Hands in the Morning: Non-Arthritic and Arthritic Causes



Recognizing the Early Signs of Arthritis in Your Feet



Psoriatic Arthritis in Feet: What it Looks Like



Symptoms of Reactive Arthritis



Why Is My Collarbone Popping?



What Do Cracking Toes Mean?



What Causes Back Spasms?



Top Causes of Knee Pain When Sitting or Bending




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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies,
to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn
more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and
trustworthy.

 1. MedlinePlus. Gout. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US).

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