If you are reading this, chances are you or someone you love is living with the pain and frustration of arthritis. You may feel stuck between flare-ups, conflicting advice, and a future that feels uncertain.
The good news? There’s more hope—and more help—than many people are ever told. In this article, we’ll discuss the 6 most common types of Arthritis and their treatment options.
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Over 700,000 New Zealanders live with arthritis today, many without a clear diagnosis or personalised plan. So, what is Arthritis?
Arthritis isn’t one disease—it’s an umbrella term for over 100 different joint conditions. Whether you’re living in Auckland, Christchurch, or abroad, understanding the type of arthritis you have is the first step toward getting effective treatment, relief, and a better quality of life.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 6 most common types of arthritis, what causes them, how they present, and what treatments work best, both conventional and complementary.
» Osteoarthritis (OA) – The “wear and tear” type
» Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – The autoimmune kind
» Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) – Linked to psoriasis
» Gout – The diet-linked inflammatory Arthritis
» Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) – The spinal inflammatory type
» Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) – For kids and teens
» Living with Arthritis – Hope & Help
What is Arthritis, really?
At its core, arthritis means inflammation of one or more joints. It often leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement. But what most people don’t realise is that arthritis is not just for the elderly—it can affect people of all ages, including children.
In fact, around 1 in 6 New Zealanders live with arthritis, and that number is growing due to an ageing population and increased awareness.
Let’s have a look at the most common ones and get some clarity around them.
1. Osteoarthritis (OA) – The “Wear and Tear” Type
Who is affected
- Most common in people over 50
- Women more than men
- Younger adults with joint injuries
What causes it
- Cartilage in joints breaks down over time
- Bones may rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness
Common affected joints
- Knees
- Hips
- Hands
- Spine
Common Symptoms
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Stiffness after rest
- Cracking or grinding sounds
Most common treatment options:
- Physiotherapy
- Weight management
- Pain relief (paracetamol, NSAIDs)
- Injections or joint replacement surgery in advanced cases
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – The Autoimmune Kind
Who is affected
- Often starts between ages 30–60
- More common in women
- Can also affect younger adults
What causes it
- An autoimmune condition: your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints
Common affected joints
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Small joints in the hands and wrists
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Knees and ankles
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Feet and toes
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Elbows and shoulders
Common Symptoms
- Swollen, tender joints (often symmetrical—e.g., both hands or knees)
- Morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes
- Fatigue, fever
Most common treatment options:
- NSAIDs – For pain and inflammation (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen)
- DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs)
- Methotrexate is the first-line choice
- Others include sulfasalazine, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine
- Biologic Therapies
- Target specific parts of the immune system
- Includes TNF inhibitors (e.g. etanercept, adalimumab), IL-6 blockers, B-cell or T-cell blockers
- JAK Inhibitors – Newer oral medications (e.g. tofacitinib, baricitinib)
- Corticosteroids – Short-term relief of severe flares (e.g. prednisone)
- Physiotherapy – Maintains joint mobility and function
- Lifestyle Support – Anti-inflammatory diet, gentle exercise, stress reduction
- Mental Health Support – Counseling or support groups to manage chronic disease impact
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) – Linked to Psoriasis
Who is affected
- People with psoriasis (a skin condition)
- Usually appears between ages 30–50
What causes it
- Genetic predisposition (e.g. HLA-B27)
- Autoimmune dysfunction
- Environmental triggers: infections, stress, injury
- Lifestyle factors: smoking, obesity, & certain medications
Common affected joints
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Small joints in the hands and wrists
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Knees and ankles
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Feet and toes
-
Elbows and shoulders
Common Symptoms
- Swollen, tender joints (often symmetrical—e.g., both hands or knees)
- Morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes
- Fatigue, fever
Most common treatment options:
- NSAIDs – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) to relieve pain and swelling
- DMARDs – Disease-modifying drugs (like methotrexate) to slow joint damage
- Biologics – Targeted therapies (e.g. TNF inhibitors like adalimumab) to block specific immune pathways
- Steroid injections – Reduce severe joint inflammation during flares
- Physiotherapy & exercise – Improve mobility, strength, and joint function
- Lifestyle changes – Healthy diet, weight management, and stress reduction
Gout – The Diet-Linked Inflammatory Arthritis
Who is affected
- More common in men over 40
- Māori and Pacific peoples in NZ are disproportionately affected
- Strongly linked to diet, genetics, and kidney function
What causes it
- A build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints
Common affected joints
- Big toe – most classic site for initial gout attacks
- Ankles – often on one side at a time
- Knees – can cause sudden swelling and heat
- Elbows – especially the tip in long-standing gout
Common Symptoms
- Sudden, severe attacks of joint pain (often in the big toe)
- Redness, swelling, and extreme tenderness
Most common treatment options:
Flare-Up Management
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- NSAIDs – Reduce pain and swelling during acute attacks
- Colchicine – Helps stop flare-ups if taken early
- Corticosteroids – Rapid relief if other medications aren’t suitable
Long-Term Uric Acid Control
- Allopurinol – Lowers uric acid and prevents future attacks
- Febuxostat – Alternative to allopurinol if needed
- Probenecid – Helps the body remove uric acid through the kidneys
Lifestyle and Diet Support
- Reduce purine-rich foods – Avoid red meat, shellfish, sugary drinks, and alcohol
- Stay hydrated – Helps flush out uric acid
- Maintain healthy weight – Reduces uric acid levels and joint stress
- Limit alcohol and quit smoking – Lowers flare frequency and supports joint health
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) – Inflammatory Back Pain
Who is affected
- Typically young men (teens to 30s)
- Strong genetic link (HLA-B27 gene)
What causes it
- HLA-B27 gene – found in most people with AS
- Autoimmune reaction – immune system targets spinal joints
- Environmental triggers – possible link to gut bacteria or infections
- Young onset + family history – often starts in teens to 30s
Common affected joints
- Sacroiliac joints – at the base of the spine where it meets the pelvis
- Spine (especially lower back) – chronic inflammation and stiffness
- Hips – often affected as the condition progresses
Common Symptoms
- Persistent lower back pain that improves with movement
- Morning stiffness
- In advanced cases, fusion of the spine
Most common treatment options:
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
- First-line treatment to reduce pain and stiffness
- Examples: ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac
Biologic Medications
- Target the immune system to control inflammation
- Most common: TNF inhibitors (e.g. adalimumab, etanercept) and IL-17 inhibitors (e.g. secukinumab)
- Used when NSAIDs are not enough
DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs)
- Less effective for spinal symptoms but may help peripheral joints
- Example: sulfasalazine (mainly if knees, ankles, or wrists are affected)
Physiotherapy & Regular Exercise
- Critical part of AS management
- Helps maintain posture, mobility, and spinal flexibility
- Tailored stretching and strengthening routines
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Stop smoking – smoking worsens spinal damage
- Postural training – to reduce spinal curvature and maintain mobility
- Sleep with proper support – a firm mattress and good pillow positioning
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) – For Kids and Teens
Who is affected
- Children under 16
- Can affect growth, eyes, and school performance
What causes it
- Genetic predisposition – Certain immune-related genes increase risk
- Autoimmune response – Immune system attacks joint tissues by mistake
- Environmental triggers – Possibly infections, viruses, or stressors that set off the disease
Common affected joints
- Knees – most frequent large joint affected
- Ankles – common in active children
- Wrists and small joints of the hands – especially in polyarticular JIA
Common Symptoms
- Joint swelling, limping
- Fatigue
- Eye inflammation (uveitis)
Most common treatment options:
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
- Used to reduce pain and joint inflammation
- Common examples: ibuprofen, naproxen
DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs)
- Help slow down or stop joint damage over time
- Methotrexate is the most widely used DMARD in children
Biologic Therapies
- Target specific immune system pathways that cause inflammation
- Examples: etanercept, adalimumab, tocilizumab
- Used when DMARDs aren’t enough
Corticosteroids
- Used for quick relief during flares
- Can be oral, injected into joints, or (rarely) IV
- Not for long-term use due to side effects
Physiotherapy, Exercise & Supportive Care
- Maintains joint movement, muscle strength, and flexibility
- Eye checks (to detect uveitis, a common JIA complication)
- Emotional and educational support for children and families
- Occupational therapy to help with daily tasks
Living with Arthritis:
Hope & Help
Whether your arthritis is mild or severe, you’re not alone. In New Zealand, organisations like Arthritis NZ offer free helplines, peer support, and educational tools.
Tips to manage arthritis:
- Stay active, but know your limits
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet (think Mediterranean-style)
- Talk to your doctor about medications or new therapies
- Consider occupational therapy to adapt daily tasks
- Prioritise sleep and mental wellbeing
The future of Arthritis treatment
The field is evolving rapidly:
- Biologic therapies are revolutionising autoimmune arthritis treatment
- New imaging tools help detect arthritis before symptoms appear
- Diet and gut health research is opening new doors
With earlier diagnosis and personalised treatments, the outlook is better than ever.
Understanding your type of arthritis is the first step toward better living. Whether it’s osteoarthritis from years of wear, or an autoimmune type like RA or PsA, there is help, treatment, and hope.
A new lens on Osteoarthritis: Eugene Sims’ recovery & research
What if the stiffness and pain you feel isn’t just from cartilage loss… but from muscles locked in tension and joints under pressure?
That’s the insight that changed everything for Eugene Sims, a physiotherapist from New Zealand who once faced surgery for early-onset osteoarthritis. Despite damaged cartilage and constant pain, he discovered a muscle-based approach that reversed his symptoms—and helped him return to full activity.
Now, through his work and 15+ years of clinical experience, Eugene has developed a unique, structured method that empowers people to restore movement, reduce pain, and reclaim confidence—often after years of failed attempts.
Inside you’ll discover:
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Why inflammation isn’t always the main cause of pain
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How overlooked muscles may be triggering joint dysfunction
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Gentle stretches and pressure techniques you can try at home
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A new way of thinking about arthritis—based on hope, not limitation
If you’ve tried “everything” and still live with pain, this could be the missing piece.
🆓 Download Eugene’s free e-book:
👉 Freedom from Arthritis
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main treatment options for arthritis?
Common arthritis treatment options include medication (such as NSAIDs, DMARDs, and biologics), physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, weight management, and—in severe cases—joint injections or surgery.
Can arthritis be cured?
While there’s no full cure for arthritis, many forms can be managed successfully with the right combination of treatments, early diagnosis, and lifestyle adjustments. Some people achieve long-term remission, especially with autoimmune types like RA and PsA.
What’s the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of cartilage over time, while Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks joint tissue. OA is typically age or injury related; RA can occur at any age.
When should I see a doctor or physiotherapist?
If you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling lasting more than two weeks, see your GP or a physiotherapist. Early diagnosis helps prevent permanent joint damage.
What’s a new or alternative approach to arthritis treatment?
Beyond medication, muscle-based and movement-focused approaches are showing promise—especially for Osteoarthritis.
New Zealand physiotherapist Eugene Sims, author of Freedom from Arthritis, developed a system targeting muscle imbalances that can relieve pain and restore mobility.
🆓 Learn more or get his free e-book here: