Arthritis Disease

 

Arthritis Overview

Arthritis is a condition in which one or more joints enlarge and become tender. Joint pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of arthritis, which normally worsen with age. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most frequent kinds of arthritis.

Cartilage — the firm, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — breaks down as a result of osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the body's immune system destroys the joints, starting with the joint lining.

Gout is caused by uric acid crystals that grow when there is too much uric acid in your blood. Other types of arthritis can be caused by infections or underlying diseases like psoriasis or lupus.

Symptoms

The joints are the most commonly affected by arthritis signs and symptoms. Depending on the type of arthritis, the following signs and symptoms may occur:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Reduced range of motion

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is caused by wear and tear on a joint's cartilage — the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones where they form a joint. Cartilage cushions the ends of the bones and allows for nearly frictionless joint motion; however, enough damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, causing pain and restricted movement. Wear and tear can occur over time or be accelerated by a joint injury or infection.

Osteoarthritis also affects the bones and the connective tissues that connect muscle to bone and hold the joint together. If a joint's cartilage is severely damaged, the joint lining may become inflamed and swollen.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The immune system of the body attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all joint parts, in rheumatoid arthritis. This lining (synovial membrane) swells and becomes inflamed. The disease process can eventually destroy joint cartilage and bone.

Risk Factors

Arthritis risk factors include:

• History of the family. Because some types of arthritis run in families, you may be more likely to develop the disorder if your parents or siblings have it.
• Age. Many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, become more common as people get older.
• Your sexuality. Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, whereas men are more likely than women to develop gout, another type of arthritis.
• Previous joint damage. People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing sports, are more likely to develop arthritis in that joint later in life.
• Obesity. Carrying extra pounds puts strain on your joints, especially your knees, hips, and spine. Obese people are at a higher risk of developing arthritis.