The word "arthritis" describes more than 100 conditions. These includes osteoarthritis, which is a wearing away of the cartilage between the bones in the joints; rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease; gout; fibromyalgia; and chronic fatigue syndrome. The symptoms you have and the treatment that may help depend on the sort of arthritis you have. The first step in understanding your symptoms is to have your condition diagnosed properly.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, or OA, is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage in your joints begins to wear away or break down. The cartilage helps to cushion your joints and prevents contact between the bones. As the cartilage wears away, bone rubs on bone and you experience pain, stiffness and a loss of flexibility. In some cases the shape of your joint can change and create more pain and loss of mobility. According to the Arthritis Foundation, this type of arthritis is not usually associated with flareups. It tends to come on gradually with symptoms of mild pain and stiffness. For some patients it may stay at this stage, while for others it may slowly progress until the pain and loss of mobility interferes with everyday life. In rare cases there may be a sudden flareup of this disease, which is characterized by severe inflammation accompanied by redness, pain and swelling. This condition is known as inflammatory or erosive osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is has periods of flareups and remissions. RA is diagnosed when there is inflammation of the lining of the joints. It can lead to a loss of of function and disability. The initial symptoms include swelling of the joint lining, which leads to pain, warmth, stiffness, redness and swelling around the affected joint. This leads to a thickening of the synovium--a thin layer of tissue that lines the joint space. The affected joint can lose its shape and the joint(s) become deformed. Most patients with RA have chronic symptoms but can experience flareups. These attacks often are accompanied by fatigue, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, loss of appetite, depression, weakness, nodule development and severe pain.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that causes widespread pain throughout the body. While it is not an actual form of arthritis, it is often described a "like arthritis." It is characterized as a rheumatic condition because it impairs joints and the soft tissues, and causes chronic pain. If you have fibromyalgia you may experience ongoing muscle pain, weakness and sleep disturbances. During a flareup you may also become exhausted, yet have insomnia, difficulties with your memory and a sensitivity to touch, light and sound.
Gout
Gout occurs when monosodium urate crystals build up in your joints and tissues. This can lead to recurrent attacks that are characterized by pain and inflammation in the affected joint, the formation of lumps under the skin and kidney stones. During a gout attack, your joints may become red, swollen and hot and you likely will have severe pain. In some cases the joint may also become stiff and purple.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint and skin disease. It is identified through the presence of itchy red patches of skin that have a silvery scale on top. It most commonly occurs on the elbows, knees and scalp. Your fingernails and toenails may separate from the underlying nail bed. There may also be ridging and cracking of your nails. Psoriatic arthritis progresses slowly. You may experience intense redness, itching and burning sensations and develop lesions around the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet or lower back.
