Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is often described as “wear and tear” of the joints. It occurs when the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. It commonly affects the hips, knees, hands, and spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Over time, it can lead to joint damage and deformity.
Gout
A painful form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals forming in the joints, often affecting the big toe. Gout can cause sudden, severe pain and swelling, and may be linked to diet or metabolic factors.
Fibromyalgia
A condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissues, often accompanied by fatigue, poor sleep, and difficulty concentrating.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis
These related inflammatory conditions cause pain and stiffness in large muscle groups, such as the shoulders and hips. They can also be associated with inflammation in the arteries.
Juvenile Chronic Arthritis
Affects children and teenagers, causing inflammation in one or more joints. With proper treatment, many young patients can control symptoms and prevent long-term damage.
Lupus
An autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and other organs, causing inflammation and fatigue.
Scleroderma
A rare autoimmune disorder that affects the skin and internal organs, leading to thickening and tightening of tissues.
Reactive Arthritis and Reiter’s Syndrome
Triggered by infection elsewhere in the body, these conditions cause inflammation in the joints, eyes, and urinary tract. Reiter’s Syndrome most often affects young men.
Psoriatic Arthritis
A form of arthritis linked to psoriasis, a skin condition. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, often in people who already have skin symptoms.
What is Arthritis?
The word arthritis literally means inflammation of the joint. The signs of inflammation are swelling, redness, heat, and pain — all of which can lead to stiffness and reduced movement.
The term is often used broadly to describe a wide range of conditions that affect not only the joints, but also the muscles, tendons, ligaments, spine, and surrounding tissues.
Rheumatism is another term sometimes used to describe these painful, inflammatory conditions. While arthritis can cause chronic pain, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and slow progression.
Key Facts About Arthritis
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Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in New Zealand.
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More than 500,000 people are affected during their lifetime.
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Women are more commonly affected than men.
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There are over 140 different types of arthritis.
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Osteoarthritis is the most common form.
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Sports injuries or trauma can lead to arthritis later in life.
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Many self-care and treatment options are available to make living with arthritis easier.
Living With Arthritis
While arthritis can cause pain and limit movement, there is much you can do to manage it effectively:
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Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints.
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Keep active with low-impact exercise such as swimming or walking.
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Follow a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods.
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Use proper footwear and supportive devices to improve comfort and mobility.
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Work closely with your healthcare team to find the best combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle strategies.
With early diagnosis and the right management plan, people with arthritis can stay mobile, independent, and engaged in the activities they enjoy.
Working With Your Healthcare Team
Managing arthritis is a team effort between you, your orthopaedic surgeon, GP, and other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
With the right diagnosis, treatment plan, and lifestyle adjustments, you can take an active role in controlling your symptoms and maintaining mobility.
Understanding Arthritis
Being told you have arthritis can come as a surprise — but you’re far from alone. More than half a million New Zealanders will experience arthritis at some point in their lives. It’s a condition that can affect people of all ages, even children and teenagers, with over 1,000 young people in New Zealand currently living with some form of arthritis.
Arthritis is not an inevitable part of getting older, and with the right care and management, many people continue to lead active, fulfilling lives.
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