Arthritis as we all know is a disease that affects the joint. It is not curable and affects both old and young.

Arthritis has over 100 types. Proper and early diagnosis of the type of arthritis that a patient has is of a great importance to be able to manage the arthritis condition effectively. It is necessary in the establishment of proper treatment plan and prevention of grave damage to the patient.

There are about 13 common types (Note: I said 'common types' not types because arthritis like I said involves over 100 types) of arthritis condition. A few of them are briefly described below:

REACTIVE ARTHRITIS: It is a form of arthritis that comes on after infections ...the most common type of infections being intestinal/genitourinary. Young adults are often affected. Appropriate medical treatment is very effective.

GOUT: This common form of arthritis is due to deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. There is an aberration in the metabolism of urea results in painful swellings around the joints especially of the big toe. In addition to joints, the kidneys are a big target of this disease.

SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE): This relatively common autoimmune disease is systemic in nature and capable of affecting many internal organ systems. SLE most often affects women in the childbearing years. Early diagnosis and management are necessary since this disorder is potentially life threatening.

POLYMYOSITIS: This inflammatory form of muscle disease is often associated with arthritis because it is a systemic condition that affects all muscles. Careful examination and appropriate aggressive medical therapy are necessary.

FIBROMYALGIA: It is a soft tissue form of arthritis that is due to defective neurotransmitter function in the brain. Patients with fibromyalgia present with bizarre symptoms because these neurotransmitters are responsible for many sensory functions.

POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA: It occurs in people after the age of 50 and presents with severe stiffness and aching in the neck, shoulders & hips. Since it is very treatable accurate diagnosis is needed. So many conditions look like it, therefore an accurate diagnosis is not always easy.

Other types include Ankylosing Spondylitis, Bechet's disease, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Myositis, Paget's disease, Sceleroderma, Sjorgen's syndrome etc.