Arthritis is a catch-all term for describing a disease in which one or more joints become inflamed or swollen. The term includes rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, lupus, and dozens of more types. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 100 diseases affect joints and tissues around the joints. Osteoarthritis is one specific type of arthritis in which the cartilage in the joint breaks down. Here you can read more about the differences between arthritis and osteoarthritis.