What is autoimmune arthritis? 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The most common type is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). When the immune system attacks the body, the result is inflammation in a joint. This can cause pain, stiffness, and mobility problems. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and different types cause different symptoms. RA and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are among the most common types of autoimmune arthritis. This article takes a closer look at autoimmune arthritis, identifying the common symptoms and outlining some of the treatments currently available to combat arthritis-related joint inflammation. Types of autoimmune arthritis Share on PinterestFG Trade/Getty ImagesAlthough this list is by no means comprehensive, it represents some of the most common forms of autoimmune arthritis:RA: The most common type of autoimmune arthritis, RA usually causes swelling and pain in the hands, feet, and wrists. An estimated 1.3 million people in the United States have RA, 75% of whom are female.Spondyloarthritis: This is the term for a group of arthritis-related conditions that affect the spine and joints. Some common types include ankylosing spondyloarthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, reactive arthritis, PsA, and enteropathic arthritis.Juvenile arthritis: Juvenile arthritis affects an estimated 300,000 children in the U.S. It can cause joint pain, eye inflammation, fever, and rashes. Other names for it include juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile chronic arthritis, and juvenile RA.Palindromic rheumatism: Palindromic rheumatism is a rare type of arthritis that causes inflammation around the joints. Palindromic arthritis often affects the areas around the fingers, wrists, and knees, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and fever. Each of these conditions can cause significant discomfort and swelling in the joints. Symptoms of autoimmune arthritis Some general symptoms associated with autoimmune arthritis include:feverjoint painstiffnessswellingweakness The specific symptoms vary among types of autoimmune arthritis. For example, PsA can cause a condition called enthesitis, which produces tender spots in the areas where ligaments and tendons connect to bones. This symptom often occurs in the back of the heel and around the elbow. Risk factors Experts believe that genetics can affect a person’s likelihood of developing autoimmune arthritis. However, the other risk factors for autoimmune arthritis depend on the type of arthritis. For example, some research suggests that periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, may be associated with an increased risk of RA. Environmental factors may also be responsible. Possible factors that could contribute to autoimmune arthritis include:early life exposures to toxins, such as those in cigarette smokesmokingobesity A person’s sex may sometimes affect their risk level, depending on the arthritis type. For example, females are two to three times more likely to get RA than males. Diagnosis Specialist doctors called rheumatologists treat autoimmune arthritis. Rheumatologists study the immune system and are aware of all the available treatments. If a doctor suspects that a person has a type of autoimmune arthritis, they will usually refer them to a rheumatologist. A doctor will first ask a person about their symptoms, including what makes their symptoms worse and what, if anything, makes them better. They may ask about other medical conditions a person has, as well as what medications they are taking. A doctor will likely recommend a range of tests to learn more about a person’s health and find out which joints are affected. Examples of diagnostic tests for autoimmune arthritis include:imaging scans, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and musculoskeletal ultrasounds to identify areas of joint damageblood tests, including red blood cell count, rheumatoid factor, antibodies to certain peptide types, and markers of inflammation, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein (CRP) levelstissue samples, which doctors can use to confirm underlying conditions, such as psoriasis However, no single test can definitively diagnose an autoimmune arthritis type. Often, diagnosis involves a person undergoing a range of tests to rule out other conditions and other types of arthritis. Treatment Doctors will consider a person’s symptoms, the type of arthritis they have, and their overall health when recommending a treatment plan for autoimmune arthritis. Medications Some people with mild forms of autoimmune arthritis can benefit from taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). For other types of arthritis, a doctor may prescribe medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Examples of DMARDs include:sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)methotrexate (Rheumatrex)leflunomide (Arava)hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, including baricitinib (Olumiant), tofacitinib (Xeljanz), and upadacitinib (Rinvoq) If DMARDs are not effective in treating autoimmune arthritis, a doctor may prescribe biologic response modifiers or “biologic agents.” These medications block immune system communications that can lead to the symptoms of autoimmune arthritis. Examples of biologic agents include:abatacept (Orencia)tocilizumab (Actemra)rituximab (Rituxan)tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, including etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), and golimumab (Simponi)interleukin-17 inhibitors, including secukinumab (Cosentyx)interleukin-23 inhibitors, including ustekinumab (Stelara), guselkumab (Tremfya), tildrakizumab (Ilumya), and risankizumab (Skyrizi) Sometimes, a person may take these medications in combination with DMARDs, especially methotrexate. Medications can have side effects that cause complications on their own. DMARDs and biologics, for instance, are immunosuppressants that can leave people susceptible to infections. Lifestyle changes In addition to medical treatments for autoimmune arthritis, a doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes and choices that can benefit a person with an autoimmune disorder. Examples of lifestyle approaches to managing autoimmune forms of arthritis include:Getting regular exercise: Some types of physical activity can improve the range of motion in the joints. Walking, water aerobics, and other low impact aerobic exercises are especially beneficial.Quitting smoking, if applicable: Smoking can worsen the symptoms of many types of autoimmune arthritis.Eating a well-balanced diet: A nutritious diet can help people maintain a moderate weight, putting less pressure on painful joints.Aiming for a regular sleep schedule: Sleep disruptions may worsen flares and other symptoms. A person with autoimmune arthritis should also talk with a doctor about other steps they can take to improve their overall health. Complications The long-term effects of autoimmune arthritis can depend on the type of disease. For example, RA can cause joint deformities that make it difficult for a person to use their hands and feet. People with RA are also at increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Anyone with any type of autoimmune arthritis who experiences frequent bouts of pain and swelling may also have difficulty keeping to a regular schedule of work and socializing. Sometimes, people with RA may experience such severe joint complications that they require surgery. Various surgical options are available, including joint repair or replacement. Identifying and treating autoimmune arthritis as quickly as possible helps minimize any complications. Outlook Autoimmune arthritis can have significant effects on a person’s quality of life. However, many treatments are available that can help a person with autoimmune arthritis live a healthier, happier life. People should talk with a doctor about the best approaches to treating autoimmune arthritis and the lifestyle changes that may be beneficial. Last medically reviewed on July 28, 2022Psoriatic ArthritisRheumatoid ArthritisRheumatologyImmune System / VaccinesMedically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Updated on August 1, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat is the link between psoriatic arthritis and the immune system?Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD Although the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, there are connections between immune health, the symptoms of PsA, and the treatment…READ MOREBiologics for psoriatic arthritis: Everything you need to knowMedically reviewed by Brenda B. Spriggs, M.D., MPH, FACP Here, learn how various biologics can help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. We also describe the risks of these…READ MOREWhat to know about psoriatic arthritis In this article, learn about the potential causes of psoriatic arthritis, as well as the possible symptoms and treatment options.READ MOREWhy does RA often occur in the joints of the hands?Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune condition wherein the immune system attacks the lining between the joints. Learn more here.READ MOREThe 5 types of psoriatic arthritisMedically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M.D., FACR There are five main types of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Learn the differences between them, how they present, treatments, and management.READ MORE