Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Types, Symptoms & Impact

Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons of the body; when it targets the neck, knees and back, it can be extremely painful.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis occurs in children under the age of 16 (most commonly, in girls under the age of 8) and causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

• Aching, pain, and stiffness are a few symptoms you may notice with polymyalgia rheumatica, a rheumatic disease that effects ligaments, tendons, muscles and tissues around the joints.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Ankylosing spondylitis involves severe back pain and inflammation of the spine and larger joints, like elbows and knees; it is three times more common in men than in women.

Cervical Spondylosis

• According to the Mayo Clinic, cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the joints in the neck.

Hip and Knee Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Knee rheumatoid arthritis causes the joints around the knee to become tender, stiff and swollen; it is often painful,making it difficult to walk. Hip rheumatoid arthritis generally effects smaller joints and tendons, and usually occurs much later in life.