What are the 7 Types of Arthritis Most Likely to Affect Seniors?

Arthritis affects millions of people in the United States, causing pain and inflammation of the joints. Understanding the different types of arthritis, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments, can help individuals manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

Most Common Types of Arthritis

There are over 100 different types of arthritis, each with its own set of symptoms and causes. Some of the most common forms of arthritis include:

1. Osteoarthritis
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
3. Psoriatic arthritis
4. Gout
5. Ankylosing spondylitis
6. Post-traumatic Arthritis
7. Reactive arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis

Also called:

• OA
• Degenerative joint disease
• Osteoarthrosis

Osteoarthritis is the single-most common type of arthritis. It results from wear and tear on cartilage, leading to painful rubbing of bones. Major risk factors for osteoarthritis are age and sex, with roughly “60% of people living with osteoarthritis” being women, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, many find relief through approaches such as physical therapy or medications when performed under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.

Possible symptoms:

• Dull, aching, or throbbing joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Grinding sound when moving the joint
• Unstableness

Potential risk factors and causes:

• Age (55+)
• Genetics and family history
• Sex (women)
• Obesity

Common treatments:

Treatment options may include weight management, physical therapy, or medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen, as directed by a healthcare professional. Surgical procedures like osteotomy are typically considered only in consultation with a specialist.

• Weight loss
• Physical therapy
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Acetaminophen
• Osteotomy

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Also called:

• RA

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s immune system attacks otherwise healthy tissue, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling of affected joints. Major risk factors for this autoimmune disease include genetics and family history, smoking, age, and sex.

Early evaluation and appropriate medical treatment, lifestyle changes, etc. may help manage symptoms and slow progression for people living with RA.

Possible symptoms:

• Warm, tender joints
• Symmetrical joint pain
• Joint (particularly finger) deformities

Potential risk factors and causes:

• Sex (women)
• Age (50+)
• Family history
• Obesity
• Smoking

Common treatments:

Healthcare providers may consider disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, or other therapies such as physical and occupational therapy. Smoking cessation can also support overall joint health.

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Corticosteroids
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Smoking cessation

3. Psoriatic Arthritis

Also called:

• PsA
• Arthritis psoriatica
• Arthropathic psoriasis
• Psoriatic arthropathy
• Psoriatic disease

Psoriasis is a skin disease causing scaly and/or itchy rashes. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis specifically affecting people who have psoriasis. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy skin and joints, resulting in symptoms like pain, swelling, and rashes.

There is no cure for either psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, but proper treatment can help people living with PsA manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Possible symptoms:

• Joint pain
• Scaly, red rash
• Pitting nails

Potential risk factors and causes:

• Psoriasis

• Family history
• Genetics

Common treatments:

Under medical supervision, treatment approaches may include NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologic therapies, or, in certain cases, surgery.

• NSAIDs
• DMARDs
• Surgery
• Biologics

4. Gout

Also called:

• Arthritis uratica

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs from a buildup of uric acid crystals in and around joints, most often the big toe. Many potential causes and risk factors for gout are lifestyle-related and include a diet high in uric acid and having unmanaged diabetes.

Treatment typically focuses on lowering uric acid levels and relieving inflammation under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Possible symptoms:

• Joint pain, commonly the big toe
• Noticeable swelling and redness around affected joint
• Tenderness

Potential risk factors and causes:

• Diet
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)

Common treatments:

Medical approaches may include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or uric acid-lowering medications prescribed by a clinician, combined with healthy weight management and nutrition adjustments.

• NSAIDs
• Corticosteroids
• Uric acid-lowering medications
• Weigh management

5. Ankylosing Spondylitis

Also called:

• AS
• Bechterew’s disease
• Marie-Strumpell disease
• Axial spondyloarthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition affecting the spine, leading to significant back pain and stiffness. Specifically, as this condition progresses, it can lead to new bone formation that fuses sections of the spine together, leading to spine rigidity and a hunched-over posture.

Healthcare providers may prescribe medications like JAK inhibitors as well as recommend specific postural training exercises and physical therapy to help slow disease progression as well as improve symptoms.

Possible symptoms:

• Back pain (particularly lower back pain)
• Back stiffness
• Hunched-over posture

Potential risk factors and causes:

• Genetics and family history
• Age
• Sex (men)

Common treatments:

Treatment options can include NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologic agents, or surgical procedures like osteotomy, depending on the individual’s needs and physician recommendations.

• NSAIDs
• DMARDs
• Biologics
• Osteotomy
• JAK inhibitors

6. Post-traumatic Arthritis

Also called:

• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Post-traumatic inflammatory arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is an arthritis that occurs as a result of an injury to a joint. Individuals often find relief through personalized care plans that may include physical therapy or, when appropriate, surgical interventions under medical supervision.

Possible symptoms:

• Gradual pain and stiffness of joints
• Worsening pain with joint use
• Joint instability

Potential risk factors and causes:

• Past injury or trauma to a joint

Common treatments:

Possible options include surgery, physical therapy, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications taken only as advised by a healthcare professional.

• Surgery

• Physical therapy
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

7. Reactive Arthritis

Also called:

• Reiter’s syndrome
• Fiessinger-Leroy disease
• Post-infectious arthritis

Reactive arthritis occurs after an infection, most often affecting men. Treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying infection and relieving inflammation through medications or physical therapy, as determined by a qualified clinician.

Possible symptoms:

• Urinary tract, eye, and/or joint inflammation
• Fever
• Malaise/fatigue

Potential risk factors and causes:

• Bacterial infections
• Viral infections

• Sex (men)

Common treatments:

Therapies may include medications such as methotrexate or other anti-inflammatory agents and structured physical therapy programs, all under the direction of a healthcare provider.

• Medications
• Physical therapy

Other Related Conditions

• Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus/SLE)
• Fibromyalgia
• Scleroderma

FAQs

Can osteoarthritis cause itching?

Osteoarthritis does not often cause itching as a symptom. It may occur, however, in people who take certain medications to manage the condition, according to Arthritis Foundation.

Can arthritis cause headaches?

Arthritis Foundation states that some types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, can cause headaches.

Can rheumatoid arthritis cause a rash?

People who have lived with RA for years may develop rashes, according to Arthritis Foundation.

What are the five types of psoriatic arthritis?

MedlinePlus states that the five main types of psoriatic arthritis are:

1. Asymmetric oligoarticular (limited to one side of the body)
2. Symmetric polyarthritis (affects joints on both sides of the body)
3. Distal interphalangeal predominant (affects fingertips and tips of the toes)
4. Spondylitis (affects vertebrae in the spine)
5. Arthritis mutilans (severe and rare, affecting hands and feet)

What parts of the body does arthritis affect?

Different kinds of arthritis affect different parts of the body, although commonly affected joints include the hands, feet, and knees.

What is the fastest way to relieve arthritis pain?

There is no single-best way to relieve arthritis pain, as symptoms and causes of flare-ups vary by individual. It’s always important to discuss with your medical team specific options for offering quick relief from arthritis symptoms like pain, which will vary based on the type of arthritis you have.

Disclaimer: Each person’s situation is unique. This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition.