Symptoms, Causes, Associated Health Problems

 Arthritis is a general term used to describe several types of conditions affecting the joint. These problems are often degenerative, meaning they get worse with time. The symptoms vary depending on the type.

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, affecting nearly 4% of the worldwide population when all age groups are included. In people over the age of 65, it is estimated that 80% have some degree of osteoarthritis that would be visible on X-ray, but only about 60% would have symptoms. Some degeneration of the joints typically accompanies the aging process. In addition to age, osteoarthritis may occur as the result of an injury or joint infection.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1% of the population, although it is more common than osteoarthritis among certain ethnic groups. For example, 5-6% of Native Americans suffer from the condition. The disease is not believed to be related to aging, although symptoms appear most often between the ages of 40 and 50.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is another type that is associated with the skin condition psoriasis. About 2% of the worldwide population has psoriasis. Of those with psoriasis, 85% develop psoriatic arthritis at some point in their lives.

There are over 100 other types of arthritis, including septic arthritis, which is caused by an infection of the joint. The other types are quite rare and are typically accompanied by some other health problem. The diagnosis of undifferentiated arthritis is made when the symptoms do not "fit well" with a specific category.

JOINT PAIN

In all types, joint pain is the primary symptom. The severity of the pain varies, as do some of the other symptoms.

In osteoarthritis, the pain may result in reduced ability to use the affected joint. Stiffness, pain in the surrounding muscles or tendons and crackling joints are other symptoms. In some cases, the joints fill with fluid that may need to be removed surgically. Hard bony enlargements may form on the fingers making it difficult to use them. Bunions sometimes form on the toes due to osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints, but 15-25% of patients have symptoms related to other organs of the body. Inflammation is involved in the condition. Early symptoms may include swollen, warm and painful joints that are particularly stiff in the morning or after other long periods of inactivity.

Psoriatic arthritis can cause symptoms in the joints that appear at first to be rheumatoid arthritis; redness, swelling, warmth, pain and stiffness. It would be difficult to distinguish between the two were it not for the presence of psoriasis. Both types are also accompanied by severe fatigue.

Other than injury, infection or aging, the causes of osteoarthritis may include genetic factors, metabolic disorders and hormonal changes. Obesity and excessive body fat is known to increase the risk of developing the condition, especially in the knees, hips and ankles.

Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disease, because the body's immune system seems to attack healthy tissues for unknown reasons. Genetics, smoking, vitamin D deficiency and infection with certain kinds of herpes viruses are other possible causes. The causes of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are unknown. Genetics is believed to be the most likely cause.