List of 18 Types of Inflammatory Arthritis, including understanding autoimmunity, symptoms, onset and more.

The Impact of Inflammatory Arthritis on the Body

Inflammatory arthritis encompasses a range of conditions that primarily affect the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. The most commonly affected areas include the hands, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet. In severe cases, larger joints such as the shoulders, hips, and spine may also be impacted.

Understanding Inflammatory Arthritis: Description and Causes

Inflammatory arthritis refers to a group of autoimmune disorders where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, particularly the synovium (lining of the joints). This chronic inflammation leads to joint damage and pain. Causes of these conditions are complex and can involve genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and immune system dysfunction.

Symptoms and Range of Motion

The hallmark symptoms of inflammatory arthritis include joint pain, stiffness (particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity), swelling, warmth, and redness around affected joints. Over time, inflammation can lead to limited range of motion, making it difficult to perform daily activities like walking, bending, or grasping objects.

Age of Onset and Lifespan Impact

The onset of inflammatory arthritis can vary widely. Some conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) typically start in middle age, while others, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), begin in childhood. The impact on lifespan can be significant, mainly due to complications like cardiovascular disease and systemic inflammation affecting multiple organs.

Autoimmune Nature and Risk Factors

Inflammatory arthritis is predominantly autoimmune, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Genetic factors, environmental triggers (like infections or trauma), and lifestyle choices (such as smoking) can increase the risk of developing these conditions.

Complications and Risk Factors

The complications associated with inflammatory arthritis are diverse and can affect various organs and systems. These may include joint deformities, osteoporosis (bone loss), cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Role of Inflammation: Swelling and Tenderness

Swelling and inflammation are key features of inflammatory arthritis. The immune system’s response causes an influx of fluid and immune cells into the joint space, leading to swelling. Tenderness results from the pressure exerted on nerves by inflamed tissues.

Impact on Quality of Life and Proactive Approaches

Although inflammatory arthritis can be challenging, proactive management can significantly improve quality of life. This includes lifestyle modifications (like regular exercise, healthy diet, and stress reduction), physical therapy, and joint protection strategies.

Possible Complications and Interconnected Conditions

Complications of inflammatory arthritis can be severe and impact overall health. These include cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, depression, and systemic inflammation affecting organs like the heart and lungs. Interconnected diseases may include autoimmune conditions like lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Gender and Age Patterns

Inflammatory arthritis can affect people of all ages and genders, but certain conditions like RA and lupus are more common in women. Juvenile forms of arthritis predominantly affect children and adolescents.

Striving for a Better Quality of Life

With a proactive approach involving regular medical monitoring, adherence to treatment plans, and healthy lifestyle choices, individuals with inflammatory arthritis can achieve a higher quality of life. This includes reducing pain, preserving joint function, and minimizing the risk of complications.

In summary, inflammatory arthritis is a complex group of conditions that can have a profound impact on physical and emotional well-being. By understanding the disease process, adopting proactive strategies, and seeking appropriate medical care, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Likelihood of Remission: Variable; may achieve remission with treatment.
Average Age of Onset: Typically between 30 to 60 years.
Sex Relation: More common in women.
Complications: Joint deformities, cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues.
Causes: Autoimmune disorder affecting joints.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Reduced quality of life due to joint damage; lifespan may be slightly reduced.
Major Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue.
Triggers: Genetic and environmental factors.
Chronic Related Diseases: Increased risk of other autoimmune conditions.
Possible Complications: Joint destruction, disability.
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2. Psoriatic Arthritis

Likelihood of Remission: Possible remission with treatment; varies.
Average Age of Onset: Usually between 30 to 50 years.
Sex Relation: Equal prevalence in men and women.
Complications: Joint damage, psoriasis flare-ups.
Causes: Autoimmune condition linked to psoriasis.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on joints and skin; lifespan may be slightly reduced.
Major Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, skin plaques.
Triggers: Genetic predisposition, environmental factors.
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders.
Possible Complications: Joint deformities, disability.
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3. Ankylosing Spondylitis

Likelihood of Remission: Remission is uncommon; disease is chronic.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in early adulthood (20s to 30s).
Sex Relation: More common in men.
Complications: Spinal fusion, uveitis (eye inflammation).
Causes: Autoimmune condition affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on mobility and spinal function; lifespan may be slightly reduced.
Major Symptoms: Back pain, stiffness, fatigue.
Triggers: Genetic predisposition, environmental factors.
Chronic Related Diseases: Linked to other spondyloarthropathies.
Possible Complications: Severe spinal deformities, restricted mobility.
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4. Reactive Arthritis (Reiter’s Syndrome)

Likelihood of Remission: Remission is possible; variable course.
Average Age of Onset: Often in young adults (20s to 40s).
Sex Relation: More common in men.
Complications: Joint inflammation, eye and urinary tract issues.
Causes: Reaction to infection (usually gastrointestinal or genitourinary).
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on joints and other systems; lifespan not significantly affected.
Major Symptoms: Joint pain, eye inflammation, urinary symptoms.
Triggers: Previous infection (e.g., GI or GU infection).
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with HLA-B27-related conditions.
Possible Complications: Chronic joint problems, eye complications.
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5. Crystal-Induced Arthritis (Gout and Pseudogout)

Likelihood of Remission: Remission possible with treatment and lifestyle changes.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in middle-aged or older adults.
Sex Relation: More common in men.
Complications: Joint damage, kidney stones.
Causes: Deposition of crystals (urate or calcium) in joints.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on joints and kidneys; lifespan generally unaffected.
Major Symptoms: Acute joint pain, swelling, redness.
Triggers: Diet (e.g., purine-rich foods), dehydration.
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with metabolic syndrome and kidney disease.
Possible Complications: Chronic joint damage, kidney damage.
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6. Palindromic Rheumatism

Likelihood of Remission: Variable; may resolve spontaneously.
Average Age of Onset: Usually in younger adults (20s to 40s).
Sex Relation: Equal prevalence in men and women.
Complications: Progression to chronic arthritis.
Causes: Unknown; may be related to autoimmune processes.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on joint health; lifespan generally unaffected.
Major Symptoms: Recurrent episodes of joint pain and swelling.
Triggers: Unknown; potential autoimmune triggers.
Chronic Related Diseases: May evolve into chronic inflammatory arthritis.
Possible Complications: Joint damage, chronic arthritis.
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7. Behçet’s Disease

Likelihood of Remission: Variable; may have periods of remission.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in younger adults (20s to 30s).
Sex Relation: Equal prevalence in men and women.
Complications: Oral and genital ulcers, eye inflammation.
Causes: Autoimmune disorder with unknown triggers.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on mucous membranes, eyes, and joints; lifespan generally unaffected.
Major Symptoms: Oral and genital ulcers, eye inflammation, joint pain.
Triggers: Unknown; possibly genetic and environmental factors.
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with other autoimmune conditions.
Possible Complications: Eye complications, vascular problems.
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8. Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Likelihood of Remission: Remission possible with treatment.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in older adults (over 50 years).
Sex Relation: More common in women.
Complications: Giant cell arteritis, fractures due to falls.
Causes: Unknown; possibly autoimmune-related.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on mobility and quality of life; lifespan generally unaffected.
Major Symptoms: Shoulder and hip pain, morning stiffness.
Triggers: Unknown; potential autoimmune triggers.
Chronic Related Diseases: May be associated with giant cell arteritis.
Possible Complications: Vascular complications, fractures.
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9. Relapsing Polychondritis

Likelihood of Remission: Remission possible but variable.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in middle-aged adults (40s to 50s).
Sex Relation: Equal prevalence in men and women.
Complications: Cartilage damage, respiratory issues.
Causes: Autoimmune condition affecting cartilage.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on cartilage structures; lifespan generally unaffected.
Major Symptoms: Cartilage inflammation (ears, nose, joints), respiratory symptoms.
Triggers: Unknown; genetic and environmental factors suspected.
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with other autoimmune conditions.
Possible Complications: Airway compromise, heart valve inflammation.
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10. Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis

Likelihood of Remission: Remission possible with treatment.
Average Age of Onset: Can occur at any age, more common in adults.
Sex Relation: More common in women.
Complications: Muscle weakness, lung involvement.
Causes: Autoimmune condition affecting muscles and skin.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on muscle function and skin; lifespan generally unaffected.
Major Symptoms: Muscle weakness, skin rash (dermatomyositis).
Triggers: Unknown; autoimmune factors suspected.
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with other autoimmune disorders.
Possible Complications: Muscle atrophy, respiratory issues.
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11. Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)

Likelihood of Remission: Variable; may have periods of remission.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in young to middle-aged adults.
Sex Relation: More common in women.
Complications: Organ involvement (e.g., lungs, kidneys), Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Causes: Autoimmune disorder with mixed features of other connective tissue diseases.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Variable based on organ involvement; lifespan generally affected by complications.
Major Symptoms: Overlapping symptoms of lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis.
Triggers: Unknown; autoimmune factors suspected.
Chronic Related Diseases: Overlaps with lupus, scleroderma, and myositis.
Possible Complications: Organ failure, vascular complications.
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12. Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD)

Likelihood of Remission: Variable; may progress to defined connective tissue disease.
Average Age of Onset: Variable; can occur at any age.
Sex Relation: Equal prevalence in men and women.
Complications: May evolve into specific autoimmune disorders.
Causes: Unknown; may represent early stages of autoimmune disease.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Variable based on progression; lifespan generally affected by associated conditions.
Major Symptoms: Variable, resembling features of multiple connective tissue diseases.
Triggers: Unknown; autoimmune and genetic factors suspected.
Chronic Related Diseases: May evolve into lupus, scleroderma, or other defined diseases.
Possible Complications: Organ involvement, autoimmune complications.
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13. Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener’s Granulomatosis)

Likelihood of Remission: Possible remission with aggressive treatment.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in middle-aged adults (40s to 60s).
Sex Relation: More common in men.
Complications: Kidney involvement, respiratory problems.
Causes: Autoimmune disorder affecting small blood vessels.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on organs; lifespan generally affected by disease severity.
Major Symptoms: Respiratory symptoms, kidney dysfunction, skin lesions.
Triggers: Genetic and environmental factors.
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with other vasculitides and autoimmune disorders.
Possible Complications: Kidney failure, lung damage.
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14. Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA)

Likelihood of Remission: Remission possible with treatment; variable course.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in older adults (50s to 70s).
Sex Relation: Equal prevalence in men and women.
Complications: Kidney involvement, lung disease.
Causes: Autoimmune condition affecting small blood vessels.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on organs; lifespan affected by disease progression.
Major Symptoms: Kidney disease, lung hemorrhage, skin lesions.
Triggers: Genetic and environmental factors.
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with other vasculitides and autoimmune disorders.
Possible Complications: Kidney failure, lung fibrosis.
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15. Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA, formerly Churg-Strauss Syndrome)

Likelihood of Remission: Remission possible with treatment; variable course.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in middle-aged adults (40s to 50s).
Sex Relation: Equal prevalence in men and women.
Complications: Respiratory and heart involvement, skin lesions.
Causes: Autoimmune condition affecting small blood vessels.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on organs; lifespan affected by disease progression.
Major Symptoms: Asthma, eosinophilia, peripheral neuropathy.
Triggers: Genetic and environmental factors.
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with other vasculitides and autoimmune disorders.
Possible Complications: Heart failure, nerve damage.
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16. Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM)

Likelihood of Remission: Possible remission with treatment; variable course.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in children and adolescents.
Sex Relation: Equal prevalence in boys and girls.
Complications: Muscle weakness, skin rash, calcinosis.
Causes: Autoimmune condition affecting muscles and skin.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on childhood development; lifespan generally unaffected.
Major Symptoms: Muscle weakness, skin rash, difficulty swallowing.
Triggers: Unknown; autoimmune factors suspected.
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with other autoimmune conditions.
Possible Complications: Muscle atrophy, joint contractures.
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17. Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA)

Likelihood of Remission: Variable; some may have remission, others chronic course.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in children, often before 6 years old.
Sex Relation: Equal prevalence in boys and girls.
Complications: Systemic inflammation, growth problems.
Causes: Autoimmune disorder affecting joints and organs.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on growth and development; lifespan generally unaffected.
Major Symptoms: Fever, rash, joint swelling.
Triggers: Unknown; possibly genetic and environmental factors.
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with other autoimmune conditions.
Possible Complications: Growth delay, joint damage.
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18. Adult-Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD)

Likelihood of Remission: Variable; may have periods of remission.
Average Age of Onset: Typically in young adults (20s to 40s).
Sex Relation: Equal prevalence in men and women.
Complications: Systemic inflammation, joint damage.
Causes: Autoimmune disorder with unknown triggers.
Quality of Life/Lifespan: Impact on joints and systemic health; lifespan generally unaffected.
Major Symptoms: Fever, rash, joint pain.
Triggers: Unknown; potentially infectious triggers.
Chronic Related Diseases: Associated with other autoimmune conditions.
Possible Complications: Joint destruction, organ involvement.
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