Types of Arthritis

There are around 200 Types of Arthritis, or musculoskeletal conditions. These are split into seven main groups:

• Inflammatory arthritis
• Degenerative or mechanical arthritis
• Soft tissue musculoskeletal pain
• Back pain
• Connective tissue disease
• Infectious arthritis
• Metabolic arthritis

The types of arthritis range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from a misdirected immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). While osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common types of arthritis, there are many other common and uncommon types of arthritis. Other types of inflammatory arthritis include psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and reactive arthritis. Types of infectious arthritis include septic arthritis and Lyme arthritis.

The treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise type of arthritis present. An accurate diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment. Treatments available include physical therapy, home remedies like turmeric, splinting, cold-pack application, paraffin wax dips, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications (ranging from pain-relieving over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen[Tylenol] and ibuprofen [Motrin, Advil] to narcotics), immune-altering medications, biologic medications, and surgical operations (including joint replacement surgery). Pain from osteoarthritis of the knee can be relieved by hyaluronic acid injections. Rheumatoid arthritis can require medications that suppress the immune system (disease modifying medications).