An Arthritis Cause Will Vary Depending on Which Type of the Disease you Have
Arthritis is a disorder that causes painful inflammation and stiffness of joints. This ailment affects more than 40 million people in the United States, and it is the nation's number one cause of disability for those above the age of 15. There are more than 100 different diseases that are classified as a type of arthritis, and the cause of these ailments varies.
The following are types of arthritis and their causes:
Rheumatoid arthritis - though it's still being researched, many doctors believe the cause of this arthritis is an immune system attack on the lining of the joints, which leads to inflammation. Symptoms are first felt in the small joints and then move into the larger ones.
Osteoarthritis - aging, excessive weight, trauma, over use of a joint, heredity, and a sedentary lifestyle are all thought to be causes of this type of arthritis. Symptoms are felt most in the hips, spine, and knees, among other areas.
Gout - the cause of this arthritis is a build-up of monosodium urate crystals in the joints resulting from a high level of uric acid in the blood. A high intake of certain foods or drinks like beer, red meat, and seafood can lead to this condition. The big toe, knee and ankle joints are most commonly affected by this disorder.
If you're suffering with pain in your joints, visit your doctor. He or she can determine if you have arthritis as well as the cause, and they can also develop a treatment plan to ease your symptoms.