Arthritis: Causes and Symptoms

Arthritis is medically defined as the inflammation of one or more joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis that can affect children and adults. In 2010 the CDC reported and estimated 50 million adults were diagnosed with some form of arthritis.

There are several forms of arthritis, all involving the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is the cushion tissue that protects joints, allowing them to move smoothly. Cartilage also functions to absorb shock during movement. When a person suffers from arthritis, he or she has less than the normal amount of cartilage, causing the bones to rub together during movement. The friction of the bones causes intense pain, swelling and stiffness so serious it inhibits the person's life.

Typical joint inflammation is caused by: auto immune diseases, broken bones, general "wear and tear" on joints, and infection, from a bacteria or virus. Normally the joint inflammation is relived when the cause is treated. When the joint inflammation continues, it is considered chronic arthritis.

The main forms of arthritis are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, gout, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, still's disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. Osteoarthritis is commonly known as degenerative bone disease. It is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when certain causes: hereditary, developmental, metabolic and mechanical, lead to the loss of cartilage.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic form of arthritis that is caused by systematic inflammatory disorder that affects tissues and organs, but mainly attacks synovial joints. In addition to destroying articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the lungs, pericardium, pleura, and sclera.

Septic arthritis is caused from an infectious joint. Septic arthritis is considered a medical emergency. If it is untreated, it can destroy the joint in a matter of days, and can also spread the infection to other parts of the body.

Gout is a medical condition that is defined as chronic attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis. In most causes, the big toe is affected. It can also resent itself as tophi, kidney stones, or urate nephropathy. Gout causes and increased amount of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid crystallizes and deposits into joints, tendons and surrounding areas.

The symptoms of all forms of arthritis are relatively similar. They all involve varied levels of joint pain, swelling, stiffness and constant ache around the joint(s). Other symptoms include: the inability to use than hand or walk, malaise and fatigue, fever, weight loss, poor sleep, muscle aches and pains, tenderness, difficulty moving the joint.

Though arthritis can be incredibly discouraging, it can sometimes be controlled with the use of physical therapy and certain medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen are commonly used to reduce the pain and swelling caused by arthritis.