In short
The most common type is osteoarthritis, which causes joint pain that’s worse with use and brief morning stiffness. Inflammatory types such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis cause swollen, warm joints and long morning stiffness. Gout causes sudden, severe attacks, often in the big toe.
On this page
The main types of arthritis
Osteoarthritis
The most common type. It affects the whole joint, including cartilage, bone and surrounding tissues. It’s most common in the knees, hips, hands, feet and spine, and becomes more common with age, previous joint injury and excess weight.
Rheumatoid arthritis
An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. It usually affects small joints of the hands and feet on both sides of the body, causing swelling, warmth and long morning stiffness. Untreated, it can damage joints, so early treatment matters.
Psoriatic arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis linked to the skin condition psoriasis. It can cause swollen “sausage” fingers or toes, pain where tendons attach to bone, nail changes and back pain. See psoriatic arthritis.
Gout
Caused by uric acid crystals forming in a joint. Attacks come on quickly, often overnight, with severe pain, redness and swelling, classically at the base of the big toe.
Axial spondyloarthritis
Inflammatory arthritis mainly of the spine and sacroiliac joints, including ankylosing spondylitis. It typically starts before the age of 45 with back pain and stiffness that’s worse in the morning and better with movement.
Others
Lupus, reactive arthritis after an infection, arthritis linked to inflammatory bowel disease, and juvenile arthritis in children are less common.
Osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis
| Osteoarthritis | Rheumatoid arthritis | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Joint wear and repair processes | Immune system attacking the joint lining |
| Usual age | Middle age and older | Any adult age, often 30 to 60 |
| Joints | Knees, hips, hand end joints, thumb base, spine | Small joints of hands, wrists and feet, both sides |
| Morning stiffness | Usually under 30 minutes | Often over an hour |
| Swelling | Bony, firm | Soft, warm, puffy |
| Feeling unwell | No | Can have fatigue and feel unwell |
| Blood tests | Usually normal | Often show inflammation and specific antibodies |
Sore joints slowing you down?
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
How is the type diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask which joints are affected, how they feel in the morning, whether they swell, and about skin, eye, gut and family history. Blood tests look for inflammation and specific antibodies. X-rays or ultrasound can show joint changes. A rheumatologist may be involved if inflammatory arthritis is suspected.
When to see a GP
See a GP for joints that are swollen, warm or stiff for a long time in the morning, joint pain lasting more than a few weeks, or a sudden very painful, red joint. A hot, swollen joint with fever needs same-day care.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Hunter DJ, Bierma-Zeinstra S. Osteoarthritis. Lancet. 2019;393(10182):1745-1759.
- Smolen JS, Aletaha D, McInnes IB. Rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet. 2016;388(10055):2023-2038.
- Ritchlin CT, Colbert RA, Gladman DD. Psoriatic Arthritis. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(10):957-970.
- Dalbeth N, Gosling AL, Gaffo A, et al. Gout. Lancet. 2021;397(10287):1843-1855.
- Sieper J, Poddubnyy D. Axial spondyloarthritis. Lancet. 2017;390(10089):73-84.
- healthdirect. Arthritis.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.