A healthy joint has cartilage, which cushions the bones, and a thin membrane called the synovium – this helps to reduce friction between the two bones.
When you suffer from arthritis, the area in and around the joint becomes inflamed, making it painful and difficult to move. Some types of arthritis even affect skin and internal organs and, over a period of time, the condition can cause irreversible tissue damage.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and all have different symptoms – although all involve inflammation of the joints and joint pain.
Osteoarthritis is the most common and can affect any joint, although it is mainly found in the hands and weight-bearing joints like the knee.
With this type of arthritis, the cartilage protecting the ends of the bones gradually erodes causing the bones to rub together and resulting in pain and stiffness. As you get older the cartilage breaks down further.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another type that affects a great number of people. It occurs when the immune system attacks itself and causes the joints, usually in the hands, wrists and knees, to swell. Over time the inflammation can damage cartilage and bone and can affect the skin, eyes and nerves.
Gout is a type of arthritis that usually affects the big toe and knee and wrist joints. It is caused by the body’s inability to eliminate uric acid which collects at the joints and causes swelling and pain.
While the main symptom of arthritis centres on the inflammation of the joint, different types of the condition have different symptoms including a fever, a rash and even fatigue.
Understanding the type of arthritis you have will help you recognise what symptoms are part of your condition.