Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness. Most types of arthritis cause pain and stiffness in and around the affected joint or joints. Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, also affect the immune system and some internal organs of the body.

Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.

The most common form of arthritis in North America is osteoarthritis (OA). The second most common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Other common types of arthritis that are classified as auto immune diseases include: ankylosing spondylitis (AS), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), gout, lupus, fibromyalgia (FM), and septic arthritis.

Experts don’t know the causes of many forms of arthritis. However, it is known that gout is caused by too much uric acid in the body. Sometimes specific infections can also cause arthritis. Scientists are studying the role of factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment in different types of arthritis to learn more possible causes and risk factors.

Some behaviors and characteristics, called risk factors, increase an adult’s likelihood of getting some types of arthritis or making it worse. Learn about known risk factors and what you can do to lower your risk of developing arthritis. You can control some risk factors, and others you cannot. By changing the risk factors you can control, you can decrease your risk of getting arthritis or making arthritis worse.

Risk factors that you can control:

• Overweight and obesity - Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts more stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.
• Infection - Take care of infection and see your doctor right away if your joints are swollen, warm, or red. Many microbial agents, like bacteria and viruses, can infect joints and potentially cause the development of some types of arthritis.
• Joint Injuries - Protect your joints from injuries by doing special exercises for those joints. Visit the OA Action Alliance website to learn more about injury prevention resources.
• Occupational Hazards - Make sure your worksite is free of fall hazards and has the space, equipment, and tools that fit your physical ability and limitations.
• Smoking - Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking increases a person’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and can make the disease worse. It can also cause other medical problems. Smoking can also make it more difficult to stay physically active, which is an important part of managing RA and other types of arthritis.

Risk Factors You Cannot Control:

• Age - Risk for most types of arthritis increases as you get older.
• Gender - Most types of arthritis are more common in women, including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and fibromyalgia. Gout is more common in men. Experts don’t know exactly why women are at higher risk for developing most types of arthritis, or why men are at higher risk for developing gout.
• Genetics and Inherited Traits - People born with specific genes are more likely to develop certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and ankylosing spondylitis. These genes are called HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class II genotypes. These genes can also make your arthritis worse. Experts do not know why people with these genes are at higher risk for developing arthritis or why it can make their arthritis worse.

Arthritis in children is called childhood arthritis or juvenile arthritis. The most common type of childhood arthritis is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Childhood arthritis can cause permanent physical damage to joints. This damage can make it hard for the child to do everyday things like walking or dressing and can result in disability.

Yes. If you have a form of inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you may be more likely to develop complications from the flu than most people. People with inflammatory arthritis are more vulnerable to flu-related complications because they have weakened immune systems. These forms of arthritis and some of the medications used to treat them can both weaken the immune system. Flu-related complications may include: sinus infections, ear infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

The focus of arthritis treatment is to: control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain physical function and quality of life. In inflammatory types of arthritis, it is also important to control inflammation. According to the American College of Rheumatology, arthritis treatment can include medications, nondrug therapies such as physical therapy or patient education, and sometimes surgery. Managing your arthritis symptoms is very important as well.