Arthritis: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Joint Health

Arthritis is a broad term used for conditions that affect the joints and can cause symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement.

It is not one single disease.

There are many different types of arthritis, and their causes, symptoms and treatments can be very different.

Some forms primarily affect the joints, while inflammatory types can sometimes affect other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs or heart.

Getting the correct diagnosis matters because treatment for one type of arthritis may not be appropriate for another.

What Is a Joint?

A joint is an area where two or more bones meet.

Examples include the:

• knees,
• hips,
• shoulders,
• elbows,
• wrists,
• fingers,
• ankles,
• and joints of the spine.

Healthy joints allow bones to move smoothly while surrounding structures such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles provide support.

Different forms of arthritis affect these structures in different ways.

What Are the Main Symptoms of Arthritis?

Symptoms depend on the type of arthritis, but common joint symptoms include:

• pain,
• stiffness,
• swelling,
• warmth,
• redness,
• tenderness,
• and reduced range of movement.

Symptoms may affect one joint or many joints.

Some types develop gradually over years, while others can produce sudden attacks.

Inflammatory arthritis can also cause symptoms outside the joints.

These may include:

• fatigue,
• fever,
• skin changes,
• eye inflammation,
• or general feelings of illness.

Persistent joint symptoms deserve appropriate assessment rather than assuming they are simply a normal part of ageing.

How Many Types of Arthritis Are There?

There are many forms of arthritis and related rheumatic diseases.

Some of the better-known types include:

• osteoarthritis,
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• gout,
• psoriatic arthritis,
• ankylosing spondylitis and other forms of axial spondyloarthritis,
• reactive arthritis,
• and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The two types most frequently discussed are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but they are very different conditions.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis.

It is a condition in which tissues throughout a joint change and break down over time.

Osteoarthritis can affect:

• cartilage,
• bone,
• ligaments,
• tendons,
• the joint lining,
• and surrounding muscles.

It commonly affects the:

• knees,
• hips,
• hands,
• neck,
• and lower back.

Is Osteoarthritis Just “Wear and Tear”?

No.

Osteoarthritis was historically described simply as joint “wear and tear.”

Modern understanding is more complex.

Changes occur throughout the joint, including biological changes in cartilage, bone and other joint tissues.

Age is an important risk factor, but osteoarthritis is not an inevitable consequence of getting older.

Joint injuries, genetics, body weight, joint structure and repeated mechanical stress can also influence risk.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis commonly causes:

• joint pain,
• stiffness,
• swelling,
• reduced movement,
• and difficulty performing everyday activities.

Stiffness may be particularly noticeable after rest or inactivity.

In osteoarthritis, morning stiffness is often relatively brief.

Symptoms can gradually become more noticeable over time, although progression varies considerably between individuals.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Osteoarthritis?

Risk factors include:

• increasing age,
• previous joint injury,
• repeated stress on a joint,
• overweight or obesity, particularly for weight-bearing joints,
• certain abnormal joint structures,
• family history and genetics,
• and some other joint or metabolic conditions.

Osteoarthritis can also affect younger adults, particularly after significant joint injury.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease.

The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, particularly the lining of the joints.

This causes inflammation that can eventually damage:

• cartilage,
• bone,
• and surrounding joint structures.

Rheumatoid arthritis is therefore very different from osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

RA often affects multiple joints.

Commonly affected areas include the:

• hands,
• wrists,
• and feet.

Symptoms may include:

• painful joints,
• swelling,
• warmth,
• prolonged stiffness,
• fatigue,
• reduced appetite,
• and occasionally a low-grade fever.

RA frequently affects joints on both sides of the body.

For example, joints in both hands or both wrists may be affected.

Why Early Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Matters

Untreated rheumatoid arthritis can progressively damage joints.

Some joint damage can begin relatively early in the disease and may be irreversible once established.

Modern treatment aims to:

• reduce inflammation,
• control symptoms,
• prevent or slow joint damage,
• preserve physical function,
• and achieve remission or very low disease activity when possible.

Someone with persistent swollen joints and prolonged morning stiffness should seek medical assessment rather than waiting for the symptoms to become severe.

What Is Gout?

Gout is another form of inflammatory arthritis.

It develops when monosodium urate crystals accumulate in and around a joint as a result of high uric acid levels in the body.

A gout attack often develops suddenly.

Symptoms can include:

• severe joint pain,
• swelling,
• warmth,
• redness,
• and extreme tenderness.

The big toe is a classic site, but gout can affect other joints.

Repeated untreated attacks can eventually cause joint damage.

Effective medicines are available both to treat attacks and, when appropriate, reduce uric acid and prevent future attacks.

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis associated with psoriasis.

It can cause:

• joint pain,
• stiffness,
• swelling,
• swollen fingers or toes,
• tendon-related pain,
• and changes in the nails.

Some people develop psoriasis before arthritis, while others develop joint symptoms first.

Early diagnosis can help prevent progressive joint damage.

What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and the joints connecting the spine to the pelvis.

Symptoms can include:

• persistent lower-back pain,
• stiffness,
• reduced spinal mobility,
• and pain that may improve with activity rather than rest.

It often begins in younger adulthood.

Related conditions are now commonly discussed within the broader group known as axial spondyloarthritis.

What Is Reactive Arthritis?

Reactive arthritis is inflammatory arthritis that can develop following certain infections elsewhere in the body.

It can affect:

• joints,
• eyes,
• urinary or genital systems,
• and other tissues.

Treating the arthritis and determining whether an infection requires treatment are separate issues, so professional assessment is important.

Can Children Have Arthritis?

Yes.

Arthritis is not exclusively a condition of older adults.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) refers to a group of inflammatory arthritic conditions beginning in childhood.

Symptoms can include:

• joint swelling,
• pain,
• stiffness,
• reduced movement,
• and sometimes fever, rash or eye inflammation depending on the subtype.

Persistent joint swelling or unexplained stiffness in a child should be professionally evaluated.

What Causes Arthritis?

There is no single cause because different forms of arthritis develop through different mechanisms.

Factors may include:

• genetics,
• autoimmune disease,
• previous joint injuries,
• infections,
• metabolic abnormalities,
• excess body weight,
• abnormal joint structure,
• and ageing-related biological changes.

For some types, the precise cause remains incompletely understood.

Is Arthritis Caused by Age?

Age increases the likelihood of some forms of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.

However, arthritis is not simply an old person's disease.

Inflammatory arthritis can develop in:

• children,
• teenagers,
• young adults,
• middle-aged adults,
• and older people.

Joint pain should therefore be assessed according to its characteristics rather than someone's age alone.

Does Being Overweight Cause Arthritis?

Excess body weight is an important modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.

Additional body weight increases mechanical stress on joints.

Body fat can also influence inflammatory and metabolic processes.

However, body weight is only one risk factor.

People at a healthy weight can develop arthritis, and someone should not be blamed for developing the condition.

For people with overweight or obesity and osteoarthritis, sustainable weight loss can reduce stress on joints and may improve pain and mobility.

Can Joint Injuries Lead to Arthritis?

Yes.

Previous significant joint injury can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis later.

Injuries involving:

• cartilage,
• ligaments,
• menisci,
• or bone

can alter joint structure and mechanics.

Appropriate injury treatment and rehabilitation can help restore function and may reduce further joint damage.

Does Smoking Affect Arthritis?

Smoking is particularly relevant to rheumatoid arthritis.

It is associated with an increased risk of developing RA and can negatively affect health in people who already have the disease.

Stopping smoking has many health benefits beyond joint health, including reducing risks of:

• cardiovascular disease,
• cancer,
• lung disease,
• and stroke.

People who need help stopping can seek evidence-based smoking-cessation support.

Can Arthritis Be Prevented?

Not every form of arthritis can be prevented.

Genetics, autoimmune mechanisms and ageing-related biological changes cannot simply be eliminated.

However, some risk factors can be modified, particularly for osteoarthritis.

Helpful strategies include:

• maintaining a healthy weight,
• staying physically active,
• strengthening muscles,
• reducing avoidable repetitive joint overload,
• protecting joints from injury,
• and properly rehabilitating injuries when they occur.

These measures cannot guarantee that someone will never develop arthritis.

Exercise and Arthritis

Exercise is generally an important part of arthritis management.

Appropriate activity can help:

• strengthen muscles supporting the joints,
• maintain flexibility,
• improve mobility,
• improve balance,
• reduce stiffness,
• improve cardiovascular fitness,
• and support healthy body weight.

Depending on the condition, suitable activities may include:

• walking,
• cycling,
• swimming,
• water exercise,
• strength training,
• stretching,
• and range-of-motion exercises.

The appropriate programme depends on a person's health, arthritis type and affected joints.

Should You Rest an Arthritic Joint?

During a severe flare, temporary modification of activities may be appropriate.

However, permanently avoiding movement because a joint has arthritis can contribute to:

• muscle weakness,
• loss of flexibility,
• poorer physical fitness,
• and reduced function.

A balance between appropriate activity and rest is usually preferable.

A healthcare professional or physiotherapist can help develop an appropriate programme when symptoms make exercise difficult.

Stretching and Arthritis

Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises can help maintain flexibility in many people with arthritis.

Stretching should generally be:

• controlled,
• gradual,
• and within a comfortable range.

Do not force a severely painful or acutely swollen joint through aggressive stretching.

Persistent or worsening pain during exercise should be assessed.

Does Drinking More Water Prevent Arthritis?

No good evidence shows that simply increasing water intake beyond normal hydration requirements prevents arthritis.

Adequate hydration is important for general health, but drinking excessive quantities of water is not an arthritis treatment.

Fluid requirements vary according to:

• body size,
• climate,
• activity,
• pregnancy,
• health conditions,
• and medications.

People with certain heart or kidney conditions may even have specific fluid recommendations.

Does Calcium Prevent Arthritis?

Calcium is important for bone health, but arthritis primarily concerns joints, and taking additional calcium is not a general method of preventing arthritis.

Calcium is particularly relevant to conditions such as osteoporosis, which is different from arthritis.

People should aim to meet nutritional requirements through a balanced diet and use supplements only when appropriate.

Do Vitamin Supplements Prevent Arthritis?

There is no general vitamin supplement that has been proven to prevent all forms of arthritis.

Deficiencies should be treated appropriately, but taking increasing amounts of vitamins does not mean increasing protection against arthritis.

Some supplements can also:

• interact with medicines,
• cause side effects,
• or be harmful at excessive doses.

Discuss supplements with a healthcare professional when you have a medical condition or take regular medicines.

Is There an Arthritis Diet?

There is no single diet that cures arthritis.

A generally nutritious eating pattern can support:

• healthy body weight,
• cardiovascular health,
• bone and muscle health,
• and overall wellbeing.

A balanced diet can include:

• vegetables,
• fruits,
• whole grains,
• legumes,
• nuts and seeds,
• appropriate sources of protein,
• and healthy unsaturated fats.

Dietary needs vary between individuals and conditions.

Be cautious of restrictive “arthritis cure” diets or supplements promising to rebuild joints.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis depends on the suspected type.

A healthcare professional may consider:

• medical history,
• pattern and duration of symptoms,
• which joints are affected,
• physical examination,
• family history,
• medications,
• and other health conditions.

Tests may include:

• blood tests,
• X-rays,
• ultrasound,
• MRI,
• or examination of fluid taken from a swollen joint.

There is no single test that diagnoses every form of arthritis.

How Is Arthritis Treated?

Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis.

The goals may include:

• reducing pain,
• controlling inflammation,
• preserving joint function,
• preventing structural damage,
• and maintaining quality of life.

Treatment may involve combinations of:

• exercise,
• physiotherapy,
• occupational therapy,
• weight management,
• medicines,
• assistive devices,
• injections,
• and surgery.

Medicines for Arthritis

Different medicines are used for different types of arthritis.

Options may include:

• pain-relieving medicines,
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
• corticosteroids in selected situations,
• disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs),
• biologic medicines,
• and medicines targeting specific inflammatory pathways.

For example, rheumatoid arthritis often requires disease-modifying treatment rather than painkillers alone.

Gout requires a completely different treatment strategy.

This is why identifying the type of arthritis is so important.

Be Careful With Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers

Medicines such as NSAIDs can reduce pain and inflammation but are not suitable for everyone.

They can cause or worsen problems involving:

• the stomach,
• kidneys,
• blood pressure,
• heart,
• and bleeding risk.

The risks depend on the medicine, dose, duration and individual health.

People with kidney disease, cardiovascular conditions, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure or those taking certain other medicines should seek professional advice before routinely using NSAIDs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Needs Disease-Modifying Treatment

Painkillers may reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but they do not adequately control the underlying autoimmune disease.

Medicines called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can suppress disease activity and help prevent joint damage.

Some patients may also require biologic or other targeted treatments.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can substantially improve long-term outcomes.

Can Arthritis Require Surgery?

Yes.

Surgery may be considered when severe joint damage causes substantial:

• pain,
• disability,
• loss of mobility,
• or loss of function

and other treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

Procedures depend on the joint and condition.

Hip and knee replacements are common examples for severe osteoarthritis.

Surgery is not necessary for most people simply because arthritis has been diagnosed.

Arthritis and Mental Wellbeing

Chronic joint pain can affect more than physical movement.

It may interfere with:

• sleep,
• employment,
• family activities,
• independence,
• exercise,
• and social life.

Living with persistent pain or disability can also contribute to:

• stress,
• anxiety,
• low mood,
• and depression.

Mental wellbeing is therefore an important part of comprehensive arthritis care.

When Should You See a Healthcare Professional?

Arrange medical assessment if you have:

• persistent joint pain,
• recurrent joint swelling,
• prolonged morning stiffness,
• unexplained reduction in movement,
• repeated episodes of joint inflammation,
• symptoms affecting several joints,
• or joint problems interfering with everyday life.

Early assessment is especially important when inflammatory arthritis is suspected.

When Is a Painful Joint an Emergency?

Not every painful joint is arthritis.

Seek urgent medical care for a joint that suddenly becomes:

• extremely painful,
• significantly swollen,
• hot,
• or red,

particularly if you also have:

• fever,
• chills,
• or feel seriously unwell.

A bacterial infection inside a joint, known as septic arthritis, can damage the joint rapidly and requires urgent treatment.

Sudden severe joint pain can also have other causes, including gout or injury, and should be appropriately assessed.

The Bottom Line

Arthritis is not one disease.

It describes many conditions affecting joints, including:

• osteoarthritis,
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• gout,
• psoriatic arthritis,
• spondyloarthritis,
• reactive arthritis,
• and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Joint pain, stiffness and swelling are common symptoms, but the underlying causes and treatments differ substantially.

Osteoarthritis involves changes throughout the joint and is not simply inevitable wear and tear from ageing.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that can damage joints if inadequately treated.

Healthy body weight, regular appropriate physical activity, muscle strengthening and injury prevention can support joint health, but no amount of extra water, calcium or vitamins can guarantee prevention of arthritis.

Persistent or unexplained joint symptoms should be properly diagnosed so treatment can target the actual condition.

Medical Disclaimer

This article provides general health information for an international audience and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Arthritis includes many different conditions, and treatment varies according to the diagnosis, affected joints, medical history and other medicines. Seek professional medical advice for persistent joint symptoms and urgent medical care for a suddenly hot, severely swollen or extremely painful joint, particularly when accompanied by fever or significant illness.

Sources and Further Reading

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases — Arthritis

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases — Osteoarthritis

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases — Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and Treatment

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases — Rheumatoid Arthritis

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases — Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis and Treatment

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take

World Health Organization — Osteoarthritis

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis

World Health Organization — Musculoskeletal Health

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions