Different forms of arthritis manifest different symptoms. Common symptoms of arthritis include: persistent joint pain; tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by movement; inflammation indicated by joint swelling, stiffness, redness, and/or warmth; pain and stiffness in the body, especially around the joints; joint deformity; loss of range of motion or flexibility in a joint; unexplained weight loss; non-specific fever; and crepitus (weird crackling sound in the joints.)

There are over 100 different types of arthritis affecting approximately 46 million Americans today. The three most common types are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Osteoarthritis is more commonly known as degenerative arthritis. This develops from a simple breakdown in the cartilage cushioning the joints, and may lead to an eventual loss of cartilages in one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein-based mass that serves as cushioning between the joints. This type of arthritis usually attacks weight-bearing joints such as the hands, feet, and spine. It is mostly related to aging and it usually progresses further as we age. It generally occurs in the age range of 45-60. Men are at higher risk for osteoarthritis before age 45. Women, however, are more prone to it around age 55 specifically around the hand, foot and knee joints. Severe cases of degenerative arthritis require total joint replacement, mostly of the hip and knee joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis may also affect different joints, and as previously mentioned, it may affect some body organs and even our blood. It mainly affects the synovial lining of the joint. The synovium is a soft tissue that lines the non-cartilaginous surfaces within joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can be developed as a secondary effect of an infection. In this case, the body’s autoimmune system malfunctions and attacks healthy joint tissue, causing inflammation and joint damage. Although it is not as degenerative as osteoarthritis, it may cause joint deformity in a mild level.

Gout is caused by displacement of uric acid crystal in the joints. Also known as hyperuricemia, which literally translates as high uric acid content in the blood, it is a metabolic ailment wherein uric acid builds up in the blood and crystallizes in the joints of the body. Chronic gout attacks may lead to hard lumps of uric acid deposits around the joints, and in the process decrease kidney functions and form kidney stones.

There are different kinds of treatment for the different forms of arthritis. There are medications available that aid in arthritis pain relief. Antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as relieve pain and decrease inflammation on affected areas. They have to be paired with constant visits to a physical or occupational therapist to ensure that mobility and range of motion is maintained.

Arthritis isn’t just a simple joint pain that we can disregard. The pain alone is difficult to ignore, let alone the complications it will bring if it remains untreated. Nobody is safe from developing arthritis as there are forms that have yet to be defined. The bottom line is, take care of your body – be mindful of your diet and exercise consistently. This alone will greatly reduce your chances of developing this distressing condition.

Now for the science behind this scenario. The place where two bones meet is called the joint- the bone ends are covered with cartilage, also known as gristle.

This cartilage is sturdy, elastic, spongy and compressible, and keeps the bones from rubbing against each other at the joint. The cells of this cartilage, called chondrocytes, are thought to be the longest living cells of the body. Surrounding the bones and cartilage is strong, fibrous capsule lined with synovium, a thin membrane that lubricates the joint area with fluid. The end result is less friction or smoother rubbing together of the bones. This fluid also feeds the cartilage cells, keeping them healthy, and is “pumped” into them during joint movement. Thus lack of movement (activity / exercise) can be unhealthy.

Other parts of the body involved with this arthritic scenario include muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursea and mental activity. Muscles, attached to bones with tendons and ligaments, move bones by contracting. They also cushion movement, absorbing impact or shock. Throughout the muscle and tendon areas are bursae or sacs filled with fluid. These also help cushion movement. And all the coordination of these parts during movement, are controlled by the brain. The brain communicates via nerves throughout the body, in particular the muscles, to prepare joints for activity.

The exact science of what actually causes arthritis is still being researched. For most of the 100-plus forms of arthritis, the causes are unknown. Injury, overuse of joints and mechanical issues with joints (such as skeletal abnormalities, worn out joint muscles etc) can lead to arthritis. Issues relating to bacteria and germs are also thought to have some link to arthritis. Heredity, stress, drugs, food allergies and viruses have also been linked to some forms of arthritis, as have diet, poor circulation and lack of movement.

Arthritic joints can be affected with inflammation when bacteria or a virus (or other undesirable element) enters the joint area or when an injury occurs. When foreign matter enters this area, or the area sustains injury, white blood cells, antibodies and other natural “fighting” mechanisms automatically kick in internally to help. These fighters cause swelling, redness and heat as the body fluid moves around. The symptoms of this inflammation, one of the uncomfortable issues associated with arthritis, are redness, swelling and tender joints.

Arthritis, also known as joint inflammation, is defined as an inflammation of one or more joints and involves the breakdown of cartilage, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited movement.

Cartilage is responsible for protecting the joints and serves as a shock absorber when pressure is placed on the joint during walking or running. It allows for the smooth movement of our limbs. Without cartilage, the bones can rub together and cause pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness. Doctors usually prescribe arthritis pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate the pain.

Arthritis, or joint inflammation, can be due to the following causes:
• Broken Bones;
• Infections that are usually caused by bacteria or viruses;
• An autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself because the immune system believes a body part is foreign)
• General “wear and tear” on joints.

Generally, as soon as the injury heals, the inflammation disappears. The infection is treated and the disease is cured. However, there are some injuries and diseases wherein the inflammation stubbornly remains, continuously causing pain that may lead to deformity. This condition is known as chronic arthritis.

People suffering from arthritis experience the following symptoms:
• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Warmth around a joint
• Redness of the skin around a joint
• Reduced ability to move the joint

Arthritis is a condition that can occur in men and women of all ages. Other types of arthritis include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (in adults)
• Osteoarthritis (middle age and above )
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (in children)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Gout
• Scleroderma
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis)
• Adult Still’s disease
• Viral arthritis
• Gonococcal arthritis
• Other bacterial infections (non-gonococcal bacterial arthritis)
• Tertiary Lyme disease (the late stage)
• Tuberculous arthritis
• Fungal infections such as blastomycosis

Osteoarthritis, being the most common type, is a chronic disease which causes the cartilage between the bone joints to deteriorate and may cause painful sensation and/or stiffness. New pieces of bones, called bone spurs, may grow around the joints as a result of osteoarthritis. Until now, there is no known reason yet as to the cause of osteoarthritis but it is generally associated with aging. However, factors such as metabolism and genes can play a role in its development.

There are many factors to consider before your doctor can prescribe arthritis pain relief treatment plan such as the particular cause of arthritis, affected joints, severity of arthritis, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Age and occupation will also be taken into consideration.

Eliminating the underlying cause of the arthritis is one of the goals for treating arthritis. However, not all causes are curable, such as those that cause osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Relieving pain and discomfort as well as prevention from further damage will then become the focus.

Lifestyle changes and exercise can greatly help in improving the condition of those suffering from arthritis. Medications such as arthritis pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken in addition to exercise and lifestyle changes.

Other Conditions That Can Cause Pain
Pain and stiffness similar to rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be caused by many other conditions. Even if injury or infection can be ruled out, anything from bunions to fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome can cause pain.

Only a medical professional can identify many sources of joint pain, because similar symptoms can result from other autoimmune diseases, including cancer or other forms of arthritis.

The Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not fully understood, but important contributing factors have been identified. The self-destructive immune response of rheumatoid arthritis may be caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and an environmental trigger. Changing hormones also may play an important part in the disease, possibly in response to an infection from the environment.

More than one gene has been linked to risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Specific genes may increase a person’s chance of developing the disease, and also could partially determine how serious his or her condition is. However, since not all people with a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis actually have the disease, other factors must be important.

A specific environmental trigger has not yet been found, but some research suggests that infection by a virus or bacterium can lead to rheumatoid arthritis in genetically susceptible people. This does not mean that rheumatoid arthritis is contagious. People with rheumatoid arthritis appear to have more antibodies in the synovial fluid in their joints, suggesting that there may be have been an infection.

Low levels of hormones from the adrenal gland are common in people with rheumatoid arthritis, but how hormones interact with environmental and genetic factors is unknown. Hormone changes may contribute to the progression of the rheumatoid arthritis.

Whilst rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, osteoarthritis is generally caused by wear and tear to the joints in the body over the years. The joints are protected by cartilage and other tissues, which are able to repair and heal themselves on a daily basis.

However, as we age, the cartilage becomes brittle and less able to repair itself. This can cause it to wear away, causing arthritis. This is why arthritis is common amongst the older population.

Injury; a major injury can result in arthritis, as damage to the joints can be irreparable. Illnesses to the joints, such as Septic Joint, can also result in arthritis developing.

It is thought that some forms of arthritis can be hereditary. Although not much research has been done in this area, genetics do appear to play a part in developing arthritis or the severity of symptoms, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.

Prolonged heavy use of joints, such as undertaking certain high impact sports or a particularly strenuous occupation, can put an individual at slightly greater risk of developing arthritis later in life. Having a poor posture or ‘stoop’ can also have an effect.

Individual who are overweight are more likely to develop arthritis, as increased pressure is placed on load bearing joints, such as the knees and the hips. A poor diet can also increase risk, as certain foods such as foods containing caffeine can reduce the calcium levels in the body. Calcium is essential for maintaining a healthy bone structure.
Fried or processed foods can release free radicals into the body; although these occur in the body naturally, an excess of them can damage joint tissues. A poor diet can also reduce the amount of synovial fluid, which is naturally produced by the body to lubricate the joints. Dehydration can affect joint cartilage, particularly in the spine, fingers and knees; arthritis sufferers who increased their water intake have reported an improvement and reduction in the severity of symptoms.

Smoking can also reduce the body’s calcium levels and contribute to the risk of developing arthritis. It is also believed that certain allergies or pollutants can leave certain individuals at risk of developing the condition.

Understanding the cause of arthritis can give more of an idea of how best to treat the condition, or prevent arthritis from developing.