Inflammatory arthritis (those not caused by injury etc) are very common and often present early as significant fatigue, followed by stiffness and joint pain and/or swelling. Untreated, they can lead to joint or organ damage. Basically, all are treatable in our day with the myriad of new treatment options available in the last decade.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common of all types of inflammatory arthritis. It usually is associated with significant fatigue and swelling and stiffness of one or many joints.
Osteoarthritis is an old term used to describe wear and tear on joints due to age or injury. It is not an inflammatory disease and therefore medication is of little help other than to lessen pain.
Osteoporosis is often confused with arthritis. It actually has to do with the density or hardness of bones and is most often without symptoms until a surprise fracture occurs in the back, hip, or foot.
Lupus is a constellation of autoimmune problems caused by the immune system attacking joints, skin, and kidneys and can manifest in many ways.
Gout is almost a man-made arthritis. Though it can rarely be hereditary, it is often the result of alcohol use or diuretic use for high blood pressure.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a Greek term for "backs that turns to stone." It is one of the most hereditary arthritis forms and is associated with a rare gene known as HLA-B27.