Arthritis is not just one disease, but a complex disorder that encompasses more than 100 forms with different causes, risk factors, treatments, and differing effects on the body.

 It effects people of all ages and is a common complaint in temperate climates; it can be mild or server, affecting one joint or several; and the different types include RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, OSTEOARTHRITIS, rigid spine disease and arthritis that has been brought on by an injury or other infection.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), accounting for approximately seventy-five percent of arthritis patients. Other types are rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout (one of the most painful types of arthritis), Ankylosing Spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus arthritis.

Causes and Risk Factors of Arthritis

The causes and risk factors of arthritis vary depending on the form of arthritis. Some of the varying risk factors are age, injury, trauma, infection, abnormal metabolism, and heredity. For some patients, the causes are unclear.

An injury can trigger arthritis-this is called traumatic arthritis. The knee, ankle or wrist are the joints most commonly affected. A few hours after the injury, the joint becomes inflamed, painful and swollen. An x-Ray is needed, in case a fracture had occurred, but rest, bandaging and painkillers may be all that is necessary

Germs can cause septic arthritis, which is brought on by infection of the joint fluid. This happens either because of an injury or because the microorganism is transmitted from the blood. Half of such cases involve the knee, but it can occur in any large joint.

The most well known type of arthritis associate with infection is called REITER’S DISEASE. This type may affect the spine rather like Ankylosing Spondylitis, but also other joint including the knees and ankles.

The exact cause of osteoarthritis (OA) the most common form of arthritis is not known, but it is often thought to develop due to physical stress received from an injury or repetitive movement. OA involves the wearing away of the cartilage that cushions the bones between joints and helps the joint move smoothly and easily.

Sometimes when the joint is used there is a crunching feeling or the sound of bone grinding against bone (called crepitus). OA usually develops slowly from wear and tear and can develop in any joint, although it is most often seen in the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing OA are age, obesity, female gender, joint misalignment, and heredity.

Another major form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis in which the body's immune system attacks the joints. This causes inflammation of the synovial membrane (the substance that protects and lubricates the joints) resulting in hot, painful swelling and usually joint erosion and deformity over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects more women than men, affects all races equally, most often starts between the ages of forty and sixty, and may be influenced by genetics.

Symptoms of Arthritis

The symptoms of arthritis include pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints that lasts for more than two weeks, especially if the stiffness in the joints occurs after extended periods of inactivity such as sleeping or sitting, or if there is pain or discomfort in a joint that was injured in the past. People with arthritis usually experience loss of movement and function as the disease progresses.

 When the symptoms include joints that feel hot, red, and tender, these are symptoms that are more closely associated with rheumatoid arthritis rather than osteoarthritis.

Many forms of arthritis can also cause symptoms other than joint problems, including fever, gland swelling, fatigue, weight loss, and problems with the lungs, heart, or kidneys.

Diagnosis of Arthritis

If you suspect that you have some form of arthritis, the worse thing you can do is to just put up with it. Do not try to make the diagnosis yourself, but go and see your doctor. It is important to find out if you have arthritis and if you do, what type.

Getting an early and accurate diagnosis can help prevent irreversible damage and disability and can help to minimize pain. Several visits may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Your family doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor that specializes in treating arthritis.

 During your medical appointment, your doctor will perform a physical exam to determine your general health and examine your joints. Often blood tests will be needed to test for the presence of infection. Also expect questions about your symptoms such as how long and how often you have had pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints and about any previous injuries to the joints.

X-ray or MRI may be required and can give and indication of both the type of arthritis and the degree of damage to the joints. Depending on the symptoms and type of arthritis, it may also be necessary for urine tests, or joint aspiration (when fluid surrounding the joint is withdrawn with a needle and examined).

Treatment of Arthritis

Because arthritis patients are usually faced with daily pain and disability from the disease and its complications, treatment for arthritis focuses on lessening the effects of the disease, minimizing pain, and increasing joint mobility and strength. Arthritis is a lifelong disease, although it sometimes goes into periods of remission.

The recommended treatment for arthritis patients will vary between patients and types of arthritis. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best options for you based on your exact condition and diagnosis. Treatment options include exercise, rest, physical therapy, heat/cold compresses, medications, and surgery.


Written by Medpages Editorial Team

Last Editorial Review: 10/1/2010