The Most Common Types of Joint Problems and Causes
Arthritis is a general term that means joint inflammation. There are several types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint problem in older adults. It happens because of “wear and tear” over time. Cartilage breaks down, and the nearby bone and soft tissues change. Muscles and tendons may also become inflamed. Osteoarthritis most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and feet.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common long-term type of arthritis. It happens when the body’s immune system attacks the joints by mistake. It often affects the fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and toes. It can also damage blood vessels, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
Gout and pseudogout
Gout and pseudogout happen when tiny crystals build up in a joint and cause sudden, severe pain and swelling. These attacks often affect one joint, such as the knee or big toe.
Gout is caused by uric acid crystals. Pseudogout is caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals.
Visit the Arthritis topic for more information about osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Other Mechanical and Soft Tissue Problems
Many muscle and joint problems in older adults happen when joints, muscles, or tendons are strained, overused, or inflamed. These conditions often cause pain in one area and limit movement. Examples include:
- Fibromyalgia is often diagnosed in middle age. The cause is not known. It causes widespread pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and mood changes.
- Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon (the tissue that connects muscle to bone). It can happen at any age. It most often affects tendons in the shoulder, elbow, or base of the thumb. It is more common in older adults because tissues lose flexibility with age.
- Rotator cuff Syndrome is a general term for shoulder problems caused by irritation or damage to the rotator cuff tendons. It most often affects people between ages 55 and 85. The rotator cuff supports the shoulder joint. About 30% of older adults have tears in these muscles or tendons, and many have no symptoms.
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) happens when the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and scar tissue forms. This can make the joint feel stiff or “stuck.” It is more common in older adults, especially those with diabetes.
- Bursitis happens when a bursa (a small fluid-filled sac that cushions joints such as the shoulder, elbow, or knee) becomes inflamed. It can be caused by a sudden injury, like a fall, or by repeated movements over time. Arthritis can sometimes occur along with bursitis.
Last Updated April 2026