Arthritic pain is usually described as dull, achy and/or throbbing. The more destructive types of arthritis can also generate sharp and electric-type pain. Arthritic pain usually starts out mild, then progressively gets worse. The pain levels of OA gradually worsen, whereas some really inflammatory types (such as gout attacks) become extremely painful very suddenly.

PsA also involves the immune system attacking joints, which is why it’s classified as an autoimmune disorder, so swelling and redness are more noticeable. RA not only causes severe inflammation in affected joints (usually of the hands and wrists), but also low-grade inflammation throughout the body. Not being able to remove your rings is a sign of swelling in the joints of the hands.

Initially, stiffness doesn’t usually involve reduced range of motion, but it’s a sign that there’s a problem in the joint that will likely get worse. Stiffness and other symptoms usually occur on only one side of the body with OA and gout, whereas both sides are typically involved with autoimmune types, such as RA and PsA. [7] X Trustworthy Source Arthritis Foundation Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education Go to source Stiffness is usually worse in the morning with RA and PsA, but worse at the end of the day with OA.

Fatigue from RA and PsA can also be associated with poor appetite and weight loss. Other types of arthritis, such as OA, can trigger chronic fatigue if the joint pain is great enough to significantly affect your sleeping and eating patterns.

Reduced range of motion is slow and gradual with OA, as the cartilage wears down and the bones come into contact with each other and as you form bone spurs or osteophytes. With RA and PsA, range of movement often depends on the degree of joint swelling, which can come and go. [11] X Research source However, with time, RA and PsA are destructive to cartilage and severely limit joint movement. [12] X Research source Septic arthritis is caused by an infection in the joint and is characterized by sudden, severe pain and difficulty using the affected joint. This type of infection can destroy a joint quickly — within weeks. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Muscle atrophy (shrinking and loss of strength) is common in muscles that surround arthritic joints. Weak muscles and joints feel unstable and usually shake or twitch a little when put under heavy loads. Associated with progressive weakness is loss of agility, dexterity and coordination. If you have arthritis in your hands, you may feel clumsy and drop things often.

OA can lead to joint deformity also (often described as knobby), but not the extreme crookedness characteristic of RA. [16] X Research source If you notice any nodules (large tender bumps) near your joints, that’s likely a sign of RA. Nodules occur in 20–30% of RA cases, usually in the hands, feet, elbows and knees. [17] X Research source

In contrast, PsA usually involves psoriasis of the skin, which involves the formation of thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches. [20] X Research source Gout flare-ups are usually associated with crusty formations on skin near the painful joint. All types of arthritis that involve significant swelling and inflammation increase the heat underneath the skin and can make it feel and look more leather-like.

OA most often affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips and spine, although OA in the hands is common also. [23] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source OA is diagnosed by a physical exam and x-rays. Wearing away of cartilage and the development of small bone spurs are characteristic of OA on x-ray. [24] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Treatment for OA centers around lifestyle changes and either non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, or painkillers like acetaminophen. [25] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

RA usually affects the body bilaterally — the same joints on both sides of the body at the same time. RA seems to have more of a genetic link, so if your close relatives have it, you’re much more likely to develop it. [27] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Women are much more likely to develop RA compared to men. [28] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Unlike in OA, children can be affected by RA — called juvenile idiopathic arthritis or JIA. [29] X Research source RA is diagnosed by a physical exam, x-rays and a blood test. Inflammation and joint deformity are characteristic of RA on x-ray. Between 70–80% of people with RA test positive for a marker in their blood called rheumatoid factor. [30] X Research source Treatment for RA centers around taking strong NSAIDs, as well as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic response modifiers (biologics). [31] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Uric acid crystals can form crusty lumps or nodules called tophi around affected joints, which can mimic RA. Purine-rich foods include organ meats (liver, kidneys), bacon, shellfish, sardines, anchovies, chicken and gravies. Too much beer and red wine can also trigger gout attacks. [34] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Gout is diagnosed by a physical exam, dietary history, x-rays and a blood test. People with gout will have high levels of uric acid in their blood (called hyperuricemia). [35] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Treatment for gout is centered on short-term use of NSAIDs or corticosteroids, as well as colchicine (Colcrys). Long-term prevention is based on dietary changes. [36] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source