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Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is far more than joint pain. Across its many forms, including degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and crystal arthritis like gout, it affects 6 million Canadians of every age. What these conditions share is their impact on movement, independence, and quality of life. What they also share is Arthritis Research Canada’s attention.

Each disease below includes a brief overview and a direct link to the research Arthritis Research Canada is conducting on it.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and the joints where the spine meets the pelvis. It often begins in early adulthood, causing chronic pain and stiffness that, if untreated, can cause fusion of the spine and make everyday movements difficult. Because it doesn’t always show up on X-rays in its early stages, it can take time to diagnose, and that delay has real consequences for people living with it. It can also cause inflammation in other organs, especially the eyes, but also the bowels.

Arthritis Research Canada conducts research on ankylosing spondylitis and its impact on how people live, move, or receive care.

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Gout

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Attacks come on suddenly and intensely, often targeting the big toe with pain, redness, and swelling that can make even the lightest touch unbearable. The good news is that gout is very treatable, and understanding what triggers attacks makes a real difference.

Our research addresses gout from multiple angles, including prevention, treatment, diet and everyday wellbeing.

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Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common rheumatic disease in childhood, affecting children under the age of 16. It causes joint swelling, pain, and stiffness due to inflammation, and because it strikes during some of the most formative years of a person’s life, its impact extends well beyond the joints. Growing up with a chronic condition shapes everything from school attendance to social participation. 

Arthritis Research Canada’s research tackles juvenile idiopathic arthritis across the full spectrum, from understanding its causes to improving the care young people receive.

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Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus, most commonly known as lupus, is a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease. Inflammation can affect almost any organ of the body  – the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain, making it one of the more complex and unpredictable conditions in the spectrum of rheumatic diseases. Painful, swollen joints, facial rash, mouth ulcers, dry eyes and profound fatigue are common symptoms. Disease manifestations shift over time in ways that are difficult to anticipate.

We conduct research on lupus that is focused on predicting disease and complications, early diagnosis, better treatment, and real outcomes that improve quality of life.

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Myositis

Myositis is a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease that causes inflammation of the muscles, leading to weakness, pain, and fatigue that can make even routine physical tasks a challenge. In some cases, it can also affect the skin, lungs, heart, or joints, depending on the type. 

Through rigorous research, Arthritis Research Canada works to improve how myositis is understood, diagnosed, treated, and lived with every day.

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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease where the joints lose their ability to repair cartilage, causing it to break down over time, with some secondary inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and sometimes swelling. It most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and while it is more common as people age, younger people can develop it too, particularly after a joint injury such as a torn ACL or meniscus in the knee. 

Our research into osteoarthritis spans prevention, care, staying physically active, and the everyday realities of living with the disease.

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Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, a skin disease that causes red, itchy, scaly patches. On top of managing a skin condition, people with psoriatic arthritis also experience joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that can significantly affect daily life. 

Our research addresses psoriatic arthritis from multiple angles, including prevention, treatment, and everyday well-being.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that causes pain,  stiffness, and swelling , especially in the small joints of the hands and feet, but can also affect almost any joint of the body, often in a symmetrical way (i.e. affecting the same joints on both sides of the body). The hallmark of this disease is that when inflammation is left uncontrolled, it can lead to severe joint deformities. Thankfully, there are now very effective medications that can stop the inflammation and prevent joint damage. But they need to be started early. Chronic inflammation can also lead to complications like heart attacks and strokes, and can affect other organs like the eyes and the lungs. It is a chronic condition that can fluctuate over time, with periods of flare-ups and relative calm that are difficult to predict or plan around. 

Arthritis Research Canada’s research tackles all the ways that rheumatoid arthritis affects a person’s life, from understanding its causes to addressing the impact on mental health and sleep,  improving the care people receive and helping people remain physically active and employed.

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Sjögren's

 

Sjögren’s is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to dry eyes and dry mouth. It can also cause joint pain and fatigue, and, in some cases, affect other organs such as the kidneys, lungs, brain or liver. 

Our research on Sjögren’s is focused on informing better treatments and improving health outcomes and quality of life.

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Scleroderma

Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a  rare systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease that  causes inflammation and scarring of the skin and other organs, like the lungs,  gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.  Severe tightening of the skin limits the movement of fingers and limbs. Poor circulation to the fingers and toes causes Raynaud’s phenomenon (cold-sensitive fingers and toes), ulcers, and poor skin healing. The disease profoundly affects people’s ability to function in day-to-day life.  Through rigorous research, we work to uncover ways to improve how scleroderma is understood, treated, and lived with every day.

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Explore Our Research

Our research spans prevention, treatment, care, and everyday wellbeing. Browse our research categories and discover the work being done across the full spectrum of arthritis and related rheumatic conditions.

Explore Our Research