Arthritis Types: Know the Differences and What Treatments Work

When people say they have arthritis, a group of conditions causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Also known as joint inflammation, it affects over 50 million adults in the U.S. alone. But arthritis isn’t one disease—it’s a family. The way your joints hurt, why they swell, and what helps depends entirely on which type you have.

osteoarthritis, the most common form, happens when cartilage breaks down from wear and tear. Also known as degenerative joint disease, it often shows up in knees, hips, or hands after age 50. Then there’s rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your own joints. It can strike younger people, causes morning stiffness that lasts hours, and doesn’t just affect joints—it can damage organs too. psoriatic arthritis, linked to psoriasis skin patches, shows up as swollen fingers, nail changes, and back pain. And gout, a crystal-driven inflammation from too much uric acid. It hits suddenly, often in the big toe, and flares up after beer, red meat, or sugary drinks. These aren’t just different names—they’re different diseases with different triggers, different treatments, and different risks.

Some people think arthritis means you’re just getting older and need to live with the pain. That’s not true. What works for osteoarthritis might make rheumatoid arthritis worse. A steroid shot might help a swollen knee from gout but could harm someone with an autoimmune form. That’s why knowing your type isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. The posts below give you clear, no-fluff comparisons of treatments, real stories about what helps, and warnings about what doesn’t. Whether you’re dealing with stiff fingers, a burning big toe, or joint swelling that won’t quit, you’ll find answers that match your exact situation—not guesswork.