Arthritis Classification: Inflammatory vs. Degenerative and Other Types

1. Inflammatory Arthritis (Immune‑Mediated)

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
• Reactive arthritis, enteropathic arthritis.

2. Degenerative Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis (OA)—most common; cartilage wear.

3. Other Categories

• Post‑traumatic
• Infectious (septic, Lyme, TB)
• Metabolic (gout, pseudogout)
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)

Accurate classification guides targeted therapy (DMARDs for inflammatory; exercise/weight loss for OA).