The Ultimate Guide to Arthritis

8. Most common types of arthritis

Two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

While both cause joint pain, these two types of arthritis are very different. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away.

If it wears down completely, the bone will rub on the bone. Osteoarthritis affects the entire joint and causes bone and connective tissue changes. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition where the immune system attacks the tissues in the joints. One significant difference between the two is that RA can also cause flu-like symptoms like fever, fatigue, and weakness. Both types of arthritis can affect the hands, but osteoarthritis often affects the joint at the end of the finger, while RA does not.

People with osteoarthritis often experience mid-morning stiffness that resolves with activity. For people with RA, this stiffness usually lasts for a longer period.