What are the most common forms of joint pain?

Premier Health Specialists’ physicians say the most common forms of joint pain are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), describes each as the following:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): OA is the most common form of joint pain. It causes pain, swelling and reduced motion in the joints. OA occurs most often in the knees, hips, hands and spine.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This form of arthritis causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints. RA most often occurs in the fingers and wrists.
• Posttraumatic arthritis (PA): After an injury in the foot or ankle, PA can develop. It causes cartilage between the joints to wear away, and can develop years after the injury.

For more information about these common types of joint pain, talk with your doctor.

Learn more:

• What is osteoporosis?
• What is rheumatoid arthritis?
• What is posttraumatic arthritis?
• Common sites of osteoarthritis