You have probably heard of arthritis. It is one of the most commonly known conditions associated with ageing. It has also been used as a threat to stop people from cracking their knuckles for decades. As with many ‘well known’ conditions, there are a lot of misconceptions. So, here are some of the facts about the causes and symptoms of arthritis.
Types of Arthritis
There are two main classes of arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is a result of inflammation in the body and can link to other conditions. This includes rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis-related arthritis. It can occur at any time in your life. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is more common in older people. It tends to affect joints that get heavy use.
Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis
There are over 200 conditions that fall into the category of arthritis, so it’s probably not surprising that there is no one single cause. In most cases, many factors contribute to the condition.
Osteoarthritis appears to have a genetic component. So, if you have a family member with arthritis, you are more likely to get it. Injuries can also lead to the onset of osteoarthritis. Certain occupations can also cause wear on specific joints which may lead to problems later in life.
Immune responses cause inflammatory arthritis. Something causes the immune system to react. This could be an infection like Lyme disease. Or it could be a disorder of the immune system like RA. Instead of being helpful the inflammation causes pain.
Several symptoms are linked to arthritis. The most well known is joint pain and stiffness. You may also see inflammation around the joints as well as redness and warmth. The combination of these factors can also lead to reduced movement and weakness.
If you think you might have arthritis then make an appointment to see a specialist, such as Dr Stephanie Barrett today.
