Not All Arthritis Is the Same: How to Tell the Difference

When you hear “arthritis,” you might picture aching joints and stiffness—but did you know there are actually over 100 different types of arthritis? Each type affects your joints in unique ways. Understanding which kind you have is the key to getting the right treatment and taking back control of your health.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ARTHRITIS

Let’s break down the basics:

• Arthritis means inflammation in the joints (think swelling, warmth, and sometimes redness).

• Arthralgia means joint pain without inflammation.

Knowing the difference helps your doctor zero in on the real cause of your joint pain.

1. Osteoarthritis: The Wear-and-Tear Type

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common kind, especially as we age. It’s caused by gradual wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions your joints. You might notice your pain gets worse with activity and feels better with rest—most often in your knees, hips, or fingers. Morning stiffness is usually brief, if present at all, and movement might feel “crunchy” or stiff.

Good news: OA can often be managed with regular movement, strengthening exercises, and medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

2. Inflammatory Arthritis: When Your Immune System Gets Involved

Unlike OA, inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis) happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, causing persistent inflammation.

Clues include:

• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes

• Swollen, warm joints

• Pain that improves with movement

• Fatigue or other whole-body symptoms

This type usually needs a rheumatologist’s expertise and medications that calm the immune system.

3. Crystal Arthritis: Gout and Pseudogout

If you’ve ever woken up with a red, hot, swollen joint—especially your big toe—you might have experienced crystal arthritis. Gout and pseudogout happen when tiny crystals (uric acid or calcium) build up in a joint and trigger sudden, severe pain.

The silver lining: These flares are extremely treatable, especially if caught early. Sometimes lifestyle changes can help prevent future attacks.

4. Inflammatory Back Pain: More Than Just a Sore Back

Not all back pain is from bad posture or a pulled muscle. Some people, often younger adults, develop inflammatory back pain from conditions like ankylosing spondylitis.

This pain:

• Lasts more than three months

• Is worse in the morning

• Improves with activity

• Often starts before age 45

If this sounds familiar, early evaluation is crucial to protect your spine and quality of life.

5. Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis usually causes symmetric inflammation—both hands, both wrists, etc.—and may also cause numbness or tingling if swelling presses on nerves. By contrast, psoriatic arthritis and related conditions often show up asymmetrically (one knee, a single toe) and can involve tendons and ligaments.

So, What Does It All Mean?

• If your joints feel stiff for more than 30 minutes in the morning and improve with movement, think inflammatory arthritis.

• If pain worsens with activity and eases with rest, with little or no morning stiffness, think osteoarthritis or mechanical pain.

These patterns are important clues for your doctor—and for you—to get the right diagnosis and start feeling better.

You’re not alone. If you’re struggling with joint pain, reach out to a healthcare provider who understands the nuances of arthritis. The right diagnosis is the first step toward relief and getting back to what you love.

Want to learn more? Watch my latest video HERE

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Are you in need of a compassionate rheumatologist who will listen and work with you toward disease remission? If you're searching for the best direct-care rheumatologist in Denver, UnabridgedMD is here for you. Click here to get in touch https://www.unabridgedmd.com or call 303-731-4006

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