More than 100 forms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases exist, but there are two major types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

These diseases may cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints and other supporting structures of the body such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Some forms can also affect other parts of the body, including various internal organs.

Many people use the word "arthritis" to refer to all rheumatic diseases. However, the word literally means “joint inflammation”; that is, swelling, redness, heat, and pain caused by tissue injury or disease in the joint.

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