There are various types of arthritis that have been discovered by the medical science through ages. Over 100 types of arthritis, rheumatic diseases and related conditions are found in medical science. Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica , Ankylosing Spondylitis, Gout, Pseudogout, Polymyositis, Fibromyalgia are some of the commonly known arthritis forms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is known to be the most serious inflammatory form that may affect many tissues and organs. As it may do most of its damage in the first year, early diagnosis and aggressive therapy is critical. This type of arthritis chiefly attacks the joints producing an inflammatory synovitis that often progresses to destruction of the articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints. Though the reason behind this chronic arthritis remains unsolved, autoimmunity is thought to be the key in its chronic nature and progression.

Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a potentially serious inflammatory form of arthritis that is often found in association with psoriasis.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint arthritis that affects weight-bearing areas such as the spine, hips, knees, base of the thumbs and feet.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica occurs in people in early or late 50s and presents with severe stiffness and aching in the joints of neck, shoulders, and hips. This disease is treatable and proper treatment is possible after accurate diagnosis of this disease.

Ankylosing Spondylosis
Another commonly known arthritis is Ankylosing spondylosis which is a form of Spondyloarthritis. This is an inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints and often causes eventual fusion of the spine that result in a complete rigidity of the spine.

Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis which is common in people between the age group of 20 to 40 is an autoimmune condition that formulates after an infection mostly intestinal or genitourinary infection in a part of the body. Young adults are commonly affected by this kind of arthritis.

Gout
Gout which is a metabolic arthritis is a deposition of Monosodium Urate (MSU) crystals. This type of arthritis is recognised by elevated levels of Uric Acid (Hyperuricaemia) and overall acidity in the bloodstream. Gout attacks joints as well as kidneys.

Pseudogout
Pseudogout is a form of arthritis which occurs due to deposition of Calcium Pyrophosphate or Hydroxyapatite. Pseudogout may mimic other types of arthritis such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Medical studies say that Pseudogout may coexist with other types of arthritis making it very difficult to diagnose.

Polymyositis
Another inflammatory form of muscle disease is Polymyositis which is often associated with arthritis. This is a systemic condition that affects all muscles including the functional muscles of the heart, lungs, etc.

Fibromyalgia
Arthritis can develop due to defective neurotransmitter function in the brain. These types of arthritis are called Fibromyalgia which is a soft tissue form of arthritis. Due to the fact that these neurotransmitters are responsible for many sensory functions, patients with fibromyalgia are present with bizarre symptoms.

Other Types of Arthritis
Apart from all these forms of arthritis, there are other arthritis forms like Septic arthritis, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Still"s disease, Lupus Erythematosus, Haemochromatosis, Hepatitis, Wegener"s granulomatosis, Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D with recurrent fever, TNF receptor associated with periodic syndrome, etc. There are some diseases that mimic arthritis, which include Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, Multiple myeloma and Osteoporosis. These types of arthritis can be detected as they all have some common symptoms. If diagnosed properly, arthritis can be treated though the process may take some time to bring effective results.