Although there are more than 100 types of arthritis, each with their own unique symptoms, typically all forms of arthritis present with the following common symptoms:

* Joint pain and stiffness
* Tenderness in and around the joint
* Redness and warmth (inflammation) around the joint
* Limited range of motion in one or more joints

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect both the young and old. In children this form of arthritis is referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Both forms are believed to be a form of autoimmune disease, in which the immune systems attacks the lining (synovial membrane) of the joints. In RA, joint damage can become severe and cause joints to become deformed. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire body, and oftentimes causes fatigue, anemia, and weight loss. Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million Americans. It tends to strike women more often than men.

Gout arthritis is a metabolic disorder in which uric acid builds up in the blood, causing crystals to form in the joints. It often occurs suddenly and affects the big toe, although any joint can be affected. More than 1 million Americans suffer with gout arthritis symptoms, with approximately 75 percent of the cases affecting men.

Psoriatic arthritis affects bone and other joint tissues, causing them to become inflamed. Typically, psoriatic arthritis affects people who have been diagnosed with psoriasis, a chronic skin disease. Psoriatic arthritis most commonly affects the fingers or spine. This type of arthritis affects about 180,000 Americans.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a form of arthritis that affects the skin, joints, muscles, and internal organs of the body. Lupus typically effects women of childbearing age, but can occur in anyone at any age. The most common symptom of lupus is a red rash that spreads across the nose and cheeks. It is often referred to as the "butterfly rash" because of its unique shape over the face.

Ankylosing spondylitis arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the spine. It oftentimes results in a fused vertebrae and rigid spine. Scientists believe Ankylosing spondylitis is a genetic disease. It affects about 400,000 Americans, usually men between the ages of 16 and 35.

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