TYPES OF ARTHRITIS 

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

  • Description: AS is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, leading to chronic pain and stiffness. Over time, it can cause the vertebrae to fuse, resulting in reduced flexibility and a hunched posture.

  • Commonly Affected Areas: Spine (especially the sacroiliac joints), hips, and shoulders.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

  • Description: PsA is an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, a skin condition. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and can affect any joint in the body.

  • Commonly Affected Areas: Fingers, toes, spine, and sacroiliac joints.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

  • Description: Also known as degenerative joint disease, OA is the most common form of arthritis. It results from the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected joints.

  • Commonly Affected Areas: Knees, hips, hands, spine (both cervical and lumbar regions).

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

  • Description: RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. It can lead to joint pain, swelling, and eventually joint deformity and loss of function.

  • Commonly Affected Areas: Hands, wrists, knees, feet, and cervical spine.

Gout

  • Description: Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling.

  • Commonly Affected Areas: Big toe, knees, ankles, and wrists.

Juvenile Arthritis

  • Description: This term encompasses various types of arthritis that affect children. It leads to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, potentially affecting growth and development.

  • Commonly Affected Areas: Knees, hands, feet, and spine.

Reactive Arthritis

  • Description: This type of arthritis occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body. It causes joint pain and swelling, typically in the knees, ankles, and feet.

  • Commonly Affected Areas: Knees, ankles, feet, and lower back.