Forms of Arthritis
There are more than 140 different types of arthritis, each of which affects you and your joints in different ways.
Most of the adults with arthritis in New Zealand have osteoarthritis. Other very common types are gout arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Learning about which kind of arthritis you have will help you manage your condition better.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It affects the whole joint, particularly the protective cushion of cartilage covering the ends of the bones. Although often described as simply due to ‘wear and tear’, it is now thought to be the result of a number of factors including inflammation, injury or ageing.
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Gout Arthritis
Gout arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis in New Zealand, and particularly affects Māori and Pacific Island people. Sharp crystals of uric acid form in and around the joint, causing excruciating pain and swelling (often in the big toe). Gout arthritis attacks can come on quickly. If untreated, gout arthritis can become chronic, leading to permanent joint damage.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common inflammatory form of arthritis that causes painful, stiff, swollen joints and can affect people of any age. Instead of protecting the body from infection, the immune system attacks healthy tissue instead, causing inflammation and joint damage. As an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other parts of the body.
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