There are many different kinds of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are the most common.
The symptoms of arthritis include pain, inflammation, stiffness and swelling. Rheumatologist Dr Andrew Bamji explains the treatment.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and usually occurs in older people. It's often caused by wear and tear, but not always. It can be the result of joint damage from an injury or the repair that occurs after the injury. For example, if cartilage has been removed from the knee, osteoarthritis almost always occurs in the knee afterwards.
Osteoarthritis usually occurs in the last joints of the fingers, at the base of the thumb, in the knees, big toes and feet. An injury at any stage in life can cause arthritis.
For more detailed information read our articles on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that is caused by damage to the immune system.
The white blood cells start to produce antibodies and cause inflammation in the joints, which become painful, stiff and swollen. Rheumatoid arthritis produces a swelling that feels soft to the touch, whereas osteoarthritis causes joints to feel hard and knobbly.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint, but usually occurs in the knuckle joints or the first joint in the fingers. It causes an aching pain in the joints and sometimes flu-like symptoms.
It's unclear what causes rheumatoid arthritis. There may be a genetic element, but it's not hereditary. It usually affects people aged 25 to 55, but can develop in anyone, including children.
See your GP if you have symptoms. You will be referred to a specialist if your GP thinks you have inflammatory arthritis.
For more detailed information, read our articles on the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Gout
Gout occurs when uric acid crystals form in the joints. It usually affects the big toe, but can develop in any joint.
There are complex reasons why this happens, but what you eat can be a big factor.
Gout can be very painful and often occurs in episodes (periodically), disappearing after four or five days. People with gout get recurrent attacks.
For more detailed information read our articles on the diagnosis and treatment of gout.
