Psoriatic Arthritis > Diagnosis

Other Common Arthritic Diseases

The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of three other arthritis diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, gout and reactive arthritis. These, and other common forms of arthritis, are described below. For more information about arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation website.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a small sac of fluid that cushions and lubricates an area between tendon and bone or around a joint.

Gout

Disease caused by deposits of uric acid crystals in the joints. It is characterized by pain, swelling, redness, heat and stiffness in a joint or joints.

Osteoarthritis

Breaks down cartilage in joints. Over time, joints may be destroyed by bones rubbing together due to lost cartilage.

Reactive arthritis

Form of arthritis that, in addition to joints, can affect the eyes. Typically, it is triggered by an infection.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Inflammation of membranes or tissues lining the joints. Over time, the inflammation may destroy the joints.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of a tendon, a ropelike fiber that connects muscle to bone.

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