"Arthritis" is a general term for different types of joint diseases. Three types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. These joint diseases can affect your knees, hips, back, hands, and other areas of your body, but it's what's happening inside your joints that's causing the arthritis pain that can sometimes keep you from doing the things you enjoy every day.
Understanding the different types of arthritis
Quick comparison of 3 types of arthritis
Understanding the different types of arthritis
Because there are several different types of arthritis, it’s important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who will diagnose which type of arthritis you may have and then prescribe the appropriate treatment. The information here will help you get a better understanding of 3 types of arthritis, how they impact the joints, who is typically affected by arthritis, and how a medication like VIMOVO may be able to help you.
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Quick comparison of 3 types of arthritis
| Osteoarthritis (OA) |
Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) |
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) |
| OA is the most common type of arthritis. Often referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis, it is caused by the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones, causing them to rub together. |
RA is a different type of arthritis that’s caused not by daily use of the joints but instead by a glitch in the body’s immune system that causes it to attack and break down cartilage and damage the joints. |
AS is an arthritis-related joint disease. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics is thought to play a role in its development. |
| OA results in pain and stiffness, particularly in the knees, hips, back, and hands. |
RA results in pain primarily in the wrists, hands, and feet; however, the neck, elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, and ankles can also be affected. |
AS results in pain primarily in the spine but can affect other joints. Over time, AS breaks down bone and cartilage, causing the spine joints to fuse. |
| OA may cause significant pain and disability. |
RA may also cause appetite loss, fever, lack of energy, or anemia. |
AS may lead to severe, chronic arthritis pain and discomfort. |
| OA affects about 27 million Americans aged 25 and older, more common in women. |
RA affects about 1.3 million Americans aged 18 and older, more common in women. |
AS affects up to 880,000 American adults, more common in men. |
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You can find helpful information on the Arthritis Foundation’s Website
The information on this Web site is not intended as medical advice and should not take the place of talking with your doctor about how to manage and treat your osteoarthritis. If you have any questions about osteoarthritis, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You should talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you would like more information about VIMOVO.
Next: Osteoarthritis Facts
