What is the difference between Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Juvenile Arthritis?

What is the difference between Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Juvenile Arthritis?

The main differences between Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Juvenile Arthritis lie in their causes, symptoms, affected areas, and age groups. Here's a detailed comparison:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA):

• Cause: Degeneration of cartilage due to wear and tear; primarily a mechanical issue.
• Affected Joints: Commonly affects weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, spine, and hands.
• Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness (worse after activity), and loss of flexibility. Bone spurs and joint swelling may occur.
• Age Group: Typically affects older adults (above 50), though younger people can develop it due to injury.
• Nature: Non-inflammatory, though secondary inflammation may occur in advanced cases.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

• Cause: Autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks joint linings (synovium).
• Affected Joints: Often begins in small joints like fingers and toes but can affect multiple joints symmetrically.
• Symptoms: Swollen, warm, and painful joints; morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes; fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
• Age Group: Can develop at any age but commonly starts between ages 30–50.
• Nature: Chronic, systemic inflammatory condition that can affect other organs (e.g., heart, lungs).

3. Gout:

• Cause: Build-up of uric acid crystals in joints due to high uric acid levels in the blood (hyperuricemia).
• Affected Joints: Most commonly affects the big toe but can involve ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists.
• Symptoms: Sudden, intense joint pain, redness, swelling, and warmth; attacks are often triggered by diet or alcohol.
• Age Group: More common in men over 30 and postmenopausal women.
• Nature: Episodic inflammatory arthritis with acute flares and periods of remission.

4. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA):

• Cause: Autoimmune condition associated with psoriasis (a skin disease causing scaly patches).
• Affected Joints: Can affect any joint; often involves fingers (causing dactylitis) and spine.
• Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling; nail changes (pitting); skin lesions (psoriasis); and lower back pain.
• Age Group: Usually appears between ages 30–50, often after the onset of psoriasis.
• Nature: Chronic inflammatory arthritis that also affects tendons and ligaments.

5. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS):

• Cause: Autoimmune or autoinflammatory disease with a strong genetic link (HLA-B27 gene).
• Affected Joints: Primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints (where the spine meets the pelvis).
• Symptoms: Chronic back pain, stiffness (worse in the morning), reduced spinal flexibility, and a hunched posture in advanced cases.
• Age Group: Typically starts in late teens to early 30s, more common in men.
• Nature: Chronic, systemic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the axial skeleton.

6. Juvenile Arthritis (JA):

• Cause: Autoimmune or autoinflammatory conditions in children; exact causes are unknown.
• Affected Joints: Can involve any joint; different subtypes affect specific joints or body systems.
• Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness; fever, rash, and fatigue in systemic types; eye inflammation (uveitis).
• Age Group: Occurs in children and adolescents under 16.
• Nature: Chronic inflammatory arthritis, with varying subtypes such as oligoarticular JIA and systemic JIA.