Inflammatory arthritis is an umbrella term describing a group of autoimmune diseases that involve inflammation in the joints. Autoimmune diseases occur when a body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In the case of inflammatory arthritis a person’s joints are attacked, which can result in chronic pain and inflammation. Depending upon the specific type of inflammatory arthritis, different joints, organs and parts of the body may be affected.


Overview
Resource Guide



Overview

There are no cures for inflammatory arthritis diseases, but there are various treatments that aim to slow down the progression of joint and organ damage. Responses to different treatments vary widely. Some people experience lowered disease activity or remission, while others exhibit little or no signs of improvement. Most medications used to treat inflammatory arthritis cause side effects, many of which are manageable although some may be severe. Other treatments such as acupuncture, naturopathy and meditation can also be helpful in managing symptoms.



Inflammatory arthritis affects men, women and children of all ages.
 
No one is too young to have an inflammatory arthritis disease.
 
Many people who live with inflammatory arthritis show no visible signs of their diseases.



The challenges of living with inflammatory arthritis are many, and range from the physical (disability, pain, fatigue, joint damage and organ damage) to the emotional (depression, anger and anxiety).
The most common types of inflammatory arthritis are:


Ankylosing Spondylitis
Pronounced ank-kih-low-sing spon-dill-eye-tiss, AS mostly attacks the spine, causing inflammation in the vertebrae and possible fusion of the spine. Other joints throughout the body can be involved and in rare cases, the heart and lungs.


Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Previously known as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, JIA is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in children under 16. It causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness and can lead to serious complications, including eye inflammation and growth problems. It can also include systemic inflammation in organs.


Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
MCTD is a rare disorder that has overlapping symptoms of three connective tissue diseases: lupus, scleroderma and polymyositis. Symptoms can include joint swelling and pain, muscle pain and Raynaud's phenomenon.


Psoriatic Arthritis
PsA is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the skin, resulting in red and inflamed patches of skin covered in a silvery scale.


Reactive Arthritis
This type of inflammatory arthritis occurs when joint pain and swelling are triggered by infection in another part of the body, such as intestines, genitals or urinary tract. Usually, this involves the joints in your knees, ankles and feet, although inflammation may also affect the eyes, skin and urinary tract.


Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA causes inflammation in the synovial tissue in the joints, causing swelling, joint damage and deformity. It is systemic disease that can affect different systems in the body, including tendons, ligaments and internal organs.


Scleroderma
This is a group of rare, progressive diseases that cause hardening and tightening of skin and connective tissue. Localized scleroderma affects only the skin, but systemic scleroderma can also attack internal organs, including heart, lungs, kidneys and digestive tract.


Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's (pronounced SHOW-grins) is a systemic disease that attacks the salivary, tear and mucous-secreting glands. Dry eyes and mouth are common symptoms, but this disease can also lead to joint pain and inflammation in other systems of the body, such as internal organs, blood vessels and brain.


Still's Disease
In adults, Still's Disease is rare and can lead to chronic arthritis and other complications. It is a separate condition in children, which is now called systemic onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.


Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

SLE causes inflammation in tissues and organs. This can include joints, skin, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. It is difficult to diagnose, but the most common sign is a butterfly rash across the nose and cheeks.




Resource Guide

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association | www.aarda.org

The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association's mission is the eradication of autoimmune diseases and the alleviation of the suffering and socioeconomic impact of autoimmunity through initiating, fostering, and facilitating collaboration in research, education, advocacy and patient services in an effective, ethical, and efficient manner. AARDA is the only national nonprofit health agency dedicated to bringing a national focus to autoimmunity, the major cause of serious chronic diseases.

 



American College of Rheumatology | www.rheumatology.org

The American College of Rheumatology's mission is advancing rheumatology. The organization is for physicians, health professionals, and scientists that meets the mission through programs of education, research, advocacy and practice support. The ACR provides professional education for its members through several venues. The ACR publishes Arthritis & Rheumatism, the premier scientific journal for research in the rheumatic diseases.

 



Arthritis Alliance of Canada | www.arthritisalliance.ca

The goal of the Arthritis Alliance of Canada is to improve the lives of Canadians with arthritis. With more than 35 member organizations, the Alliance bring together arthritis health care professionals, researchers, funding agencies, governments, voluntary sector agencies, industry and, most importantly, representatives from arthritis consumer organizations from across Canada.

 



Arthritis Australia | www.arthritisaustralia.com.au

Arthritis Australia's mission is to provide dignity, support and education for Australians suffering from arthritis and their carers; to radically restrict the rate of growth of arthritis in Australia; and to be a leader in funding and advocating world class research. Arthritis Australia to be identified as the only independent, arthritis focused and patient driven national body.

 



Arthritis Broadcast Network | www.arthritisbroadcastnetwork.org

Led by Arthritis Consumer Experts and the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, the Arthritis Broadcast Network (ABN) is a multi-media platform for the arthritis community to share news, information and stories about living well with arthritis. The ABN is a key element of the National Arthritis Awareness Program called "Arthritis is cured! (if you want it)." 

 



Arthritis Care | www.arthritiscare.org.uk

Arthritis Care exists to support people with arthritis. We are the UK's largest charity working with and for all people who have arthritis. We are a user led charity which means people with arthritis are at the heart of our work - they form our membership, are involved in all of our activities and direct what we do. We provide clear and accurate information about arthritis. Our helplines team offers practical, confidential support backed up by a wealth of useful publications

 



Arthritis Foundation | www.arthritis.org

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest national nonprofit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.  Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country. We're also the largest private, nonprofit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $450 million in research grants since 1948.

 



Arthritis Foundation of South Africa | www.arthritis.org.za

Founded in 1973, the Arthritis Foundation is the only non-profit organisation providing non medical support for people with arthritis, their families and carers in South Africa. It is entirely privately funded. It aims to enable people with arthritis to live a valuable life in all its dimensions through increasing awareness, providing education and offering support.

 



Arthritis Ireland | www.arthritisireland.ie

Little things can make a big difference to a person with arthritis. Difficulty with the little things like making a cup of tea, getting dressed or opening the front door can all add up to have a big impact on a person's quality of life. At Arthritis Ireland we understand this. That is why we are Ireland's only organisation working single-mindedly to transform the experience of people living with arthritis and those who care for them.

 



Arthritis National Research Foundation | curearthritis.org

The Arthritis National Research Foundation is the charity that funds research to cure arthritis. Research will lead to discovering the causes, new treatments, prevention and cure for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, juvenile arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. For more than 40 years, the Arthritis National Research Foundation has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for adults and kids who suffer from many forms of arthritis.

 



Arthritis New Zealand | www.arthritis.org.nz

Our mission is to improve the health and well being of people who are affected by arthritis. Arthritis New Zealand is the national voluntary organisation, which represents the interests of those with arthritis. We are an incorporated society with charitable status. Yet we are run by people like you, and many know just what it is like to have arthritis.

 



Arthritis Research Centre of Canada | www.arthritisresearch.ca

The Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC) was created in 2000 by the Board of The Arthritis Society, BC and Yukon Division, in recognition of the tremendous potential that research can bring to arthritis treatment in Canada, and indeed, the world. In April 2002, ARC became an independent organization that continues to work closely with The Arthritis Society for the benefit of all people with arthritis.

 



Arthritis Research UK | www.arthritisresearchuk.org

Arthritis Research UK is the charity leading the fight against arthritis. In fact, we are the biggest funder of research into the cause, treatment and cure of all forms of arthritis in the UK. More than one in six people are affected by arthritis, it is the biggest cause of pain and disability in the UK. We're working to take the pain away for people living with all forms of the disease, and to help them remain active, doing the things they love.

 



The Arthritis Society | www.arthritis.ca

Over the past 60-plus years, The Arthritis Society has established itself as a leader in the fight against arthritis by helping people to live well while creating a future without arthritis. We are the only charitable organization in Canada uniquely dedicated to funding and promoting arthritis research, advocacy and solutions to improve the quality of life for Canadians affected by arthritis.

 



CreakyJoints | www.creakyjoints.org

Welcome to CreakyJoints, a community for people of all ages with arthritis who want to live their lives despite their condition. A place where having a little chronic pain (or even a lot of chronic pain) is OK, because there are others within earshot who understand. CreakyJoints.org, the common gathering point for Internet savvy arthritics is the only stop you need to make late at night when you're looking for some edgy support.

 



The European League Against Rheumatism | www.eular.org

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is the organisation which represents the patient, health professional and scientific societies of rheumatology of all the European nations. EULAR endeavours to stimulate, promote, and support the research, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of rheumatic diseases. In line with UEMS, EULAR defines rheumatology as including rheumatic diseases of the connective tissue, locomotor and musculoskeletal systems.

 



Global Healthy Living Foundation | www.ghlf.org

The Global Healthy Living Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit advocacy organization, based in New York, with the mission to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illness. The GHLF accomplishes its mission by advocating for improved access to care and by educating the community about the importance of diagnosis, early and innovative medical intervention, long-term lifestyle improvement, and therapeutic compliance.

 



International Still's Disease Foundation | www.stillsdisease.org/

The purpose of the International Still's Disease Foundation is to provide support to those who live with Still's Disease, encourage and facilitate communication between people living with Still's, provide up-to-date information on Still's Disease research, treatments and related studies to those with the disease, their families, and health care workers and increase general awareness of Still's.


 



Lupus Foundation of America | www.lupus.org

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is the oldest and largest national nonprofit voluntary health organization focused on improving the quality of life for people with lupus. Our unique dual mission serves the ongoing needs of people affected by lupus today while leading efforts to find a cure - from care to cure! Through our programs of research, education, and advocacy, the LFA is leading efforts to bring national attention and resources to bear upon lupus.

 



Lupus UK | www.lupusuk.org.uk

LUPUS UK is the only national registered charity supporting people with systemic lupus and discoid lupus and assisting those approaching diagnosis. We presently have over 5500 Members and a number of Regional Groups around the UK who arrange medical talks, publish local newsletters, set up local occasions and organise fundraising events. LUPUS UK also produces an informative national magazine with lupus articles, letters, reports, and photographs, and operates a strong Grant Programme for research purposes and welfare.

 



National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society | www.nass.co.uk

The National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) is the only registered charity dedicated to the needs of people affected by ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the UK. Since 1976 NASS has played a crucial role in providing accurate and up to date information allowing people with AS to have a greater understanding of their disease and in turn, make more informed choices in the management of their symptoms.

 



National Psoriasis Foundation | www.psoriasis.org

The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is a non-profit, voluntary health agency dedicated to finding a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and eliminating their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education. Founded in 1968, the Psoriasis Foundation has evolved to become the leading patient advocacy group for the 7.5 million Americans living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

 



National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society | www.nras.org.uk

NRAS provides support, information and advocacy for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, their families, friends and carers. We are also a resource for health professionals with an interest in rheumatology and work closely with rheumatology teams across the UK. Our goal is 'a better life for people living with rheumatoid arthritis.'

 



Psoriasis Association | www.psoriasis-association.org.uk

The Psoriasis Association is the leading national charity and membership organisation for people affected by psoriasis - patients, families, carers and health professionals- in the UK. Our work to help people whose lives are affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis through research, information and raising awareness can only be achieved by your support.

 



Scleroderma Foundation | www.scleroderma.org

The Scleroderma Foundation is the national organization for people with scleroderma and their families and friends. It was formed January 1, 1998, by a merger between the West Coast-based United Scleroderma Foundation and the East Coast-based Scleroderma Federation. The national office is headquartered in Danvers, Mass.

 



Scleroderma Research Foundation | www.srfcure.org

The Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) was established in 1987 by patient turned activist Sharon Monsky, when research on this potentially life threatening illness was nearly nonexistent. Since our founding, we've stood firm in our belief that the best way to help scleroderma patients is to fund medical research aimed at improved therapies and a cure. Today, we are the nation's largest nonprofit investor in scleroderma research

 



Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation | www.sjogrens.org

The Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation is proud to be the only national non-profit organization focused on increasing research, education and awareness for Sjögren's. When we were founded in 1983 the mission was simple: help patients cope with their Sjögren's, increase awareness, and support Sjögren's research efforts. Today, our mission has remained the same while we have grown into a multi-faceted organization that has expanded its outreach, increased its funding for research and education, and continued to raise awareness for this common, yet little known disease.

 



Spondylitis Association of America | www.spondylitis.org

SAA was founded in 1983 by people affected by ankylosing spondylitis, a crippling form of spinal arthritis that strikes young people. SAA was the first and remains the largest resource in the United States for people seeking information on AS and related diseases. Our mission is to be a leader in the quest to cure AS and related diseases, and to empower those affected to live life to the fullest.