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Arthritis Types

by DR

There are many types of arthritis. Arthritis at its most basic, means inflammatory destruction of a joint.

When people say they have arthritis, they usually mean osteoarthritis which is caused by degenerative wear and tear over time. But, as you can see below, there are many other types of arthritis so don't assume!

Arthritis Types	Difference from other Arthrides
Osteoarthritis	Arthritis caused by wear and tear mechanical damage to a joint by weight stress and repetition. Commonly hands, feet, spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis	This type of arthritis is caused by an immune system error which leads to your body targeting Rheumatoid marker in joints. Commonly hands, feet, neck spine.
Juvenile Arthritis	Autoimmune attack of joints in childhood of unknown cause. Commonly knees, ankles, wrists, hands.
Ankylosing Spondylitis	Genetic disorder of self joint attack, most commonly of the spine, sacroiliac joints and pelvis with eventual total fusion of the spine - bamboo spine.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE	Systemic autoimmune disorder which attacks multiple organs including joints.Hands and wrists most commonly affected..
Gouty Arthritis	Caused by an inborn error of metabolism of uric acid leading to excess urate crystal buildup in joints eroding them. Big toe most often.
Psuedogout Arthritis	Calcium pyrophosphate crystal formation in joints destroying them. Commonly knees.
Psoriatic arthritis	An error of the immune system which leads to targeting of both joint and skin by your immune system.
Septic Arthritis	Joints which get infected can become consumed in the inflammatory reaction which ensues creating destructive arthritis..
Reactive / Reiter's Arthritis	Autoimmune disorder where in reaction to fighting an infection elsewhere in the body e.g. gonorrhea, a spillover attack occurs on joints. Commonly knees and back.
Lyme Disease Arthritis	Infection from ticks carrying Borrelia bacteria. Pain most common in knees.
Fibromyalgia and Polymyositis	These disorders are of muscle overlying joints. They can lead to joint pain over joints without direct damage to the joints. Commonly elbows, knees.