Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints and the surrounding structures resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness and restricted joint mobility. Arthritis is a medical terminology that is used to encompass numerous medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. There are numerous types of arthritis. The causes of arthritis differ according to the types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis involves wear and tear of the joint cartilage
Osteoarthritis is caused by sports injuries or any physical trauma involving injury to the joints.
Increasing age and obesity are also considered as the common risk factors in the development of osteoarthritis. Obesity puts increasing pressure on the joint cartilage leading to wear and tear of the joint. Osteoarthritis is known to run in families.
Gout is characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood stream
Gout is a type of arthritis in which there are elevated levels of uric acid in the blood stream. The excess amount of uric acid when deposits in the joints it causes swelling and inflammation along with intense pain. What causes gout is yet to be determined. However, certain risk factors like family history and genetic predisposition play an important role in the development of gout. The onset of gout is also triggered by other factors like excessive consumption of purine rich foods such as liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans and peas. Excessive consumption of alcohol and episodes of binge drinking can also lead to an attack of gout. Other conditions that lead to fluid imbalance in the body like fasting, starvation and dehydration can also trigger the onset of gout.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto immune disorder
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of auto immune disorder in which the body cells are attacked by its own immune system and destroyed. The exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not yet known. Experts have suggested certain risk factors like genetic factors and environmental factors like bacterial and viral infections may be linked to the onset of this disease.
Psoriatic Arthritis affects people with psoriasis
Psoriatic arthritis occurs in people who are affected by a skin disease called psoriasis. There is inflammation and swelling of joints in the affected person along with symptoms of psoriasis. Studies have linked this disease to a number of causes like genetic, immune and environmental.
Septic Arthritis is caused due to infection of joint
Septic arthritis is caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. The most common culprits are bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and haemophilus influenza. It is characterized by purulent inflammation of the joint. People at risk of developing septic arthritis are those who take medications to suppress the immune system, or those indulging in intravenous drug abuse. It is also associated with diabetes and other underlying medical disorders.
Ankylosing Spondylitis may be caused due to genetic involvement
The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not yet known, but studies have suggested that genetic factors may play a role in the development of this disease.
