In literal terms, Arthritis can be defined as the swelling of joints. Arthritis comprises of nearly hundred different types and is classified based on the intensity of inflammation, the way the wear and tear occurs, etc.

Rheumatoid arthiritis, Osteoarthiritis and gout are the three main and quite commonly found types of arthritis. Let us look at these in some detail.

Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis is found the maximum among people and is a condition where the joints of a person become weaker progressively. It is commonly known as a degenerative joint disease. This weakening may include not just the joints, but also the articular cartilage and the bone next to the joints. The hands, feet and spine joints are the ones that tend to be affected by osteoarthritis.

Larger joints like those of the hip and knee are affected due to the weight they bear. The common symptoms are pain and burning sensation in the joints and may be accompanied by symptoms like stiffness, swelling, creaking noises while moving and decreased functioning of the joint. Some people may have muscle spasms or contractions. It starts off slowly and mostly affects the joints of the knees, hips, spine and hands.

Rheumatoid Arthiritis: This type of arthritis is chronic and systematic affecting the joints and leading to an inflammation of the synovitis. It also tends to spread to other parts of the body and tissues. It is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system by mistake attacks the synovium and causes arthirtis.

The various symptoms are swelling of joints, stiffness, especially when you get up after a sleep. In addition to this your joints may pain and be warm. Your articular cartilage can get damaged due to rheumatoid arthritis.

Gout: Gout is one of the types of arthritis caused by increase in the level of uric acid found in blood. This excess uric acid gets deposited in the articular cartilage, the tissues surrounding the joints and the tendons. The most common symptom is a burning sensation in the joints and extreme pain. Fingers may swell a lot and cause tendinitis. There is another type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis that mainly causes a lot of swelling of joints.