Arthritis is caused by inflammation of the bodies joints. The most common feature is evidence of synovial joint inflammation. This can affect single or multiple areas such as the knee, and finger joints and hip joints. These joints are found at end of the joining bones enclosed by a capsule. The space inside between the capsule is filled with fluid. In arthritis the fluid becomes inflamed with cells and proteins from the immune system.
This allows the two bone surfaces to move smoothly over each other. The bone surface is covered by a smooth substance called cartilage to help this smooth movement which is broken down in many forms of arthritis destroying the normal joint surface. Some causes of arthritic include disease of unknown immunologic causes such as Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, erythematosus (SLE) and Scleroderma. Degenerative joint diseases are caused by normal and excessive “wear and tear” and include osteoarthritis. Some diseases may have arthritis as an associated feature such as sarcoidosis, chron’s disease and ulcerative collides. Some other examples are arthritis caused by infection including bacterial, viral and fungal.
Some diseases may be associated with biochemical abnormalities such as gout. It is important to understand how Arthritis occurs and what parts of the bone it affects. What are the symptoms and complications of arthritis? Arthritis can result from different causes, but the common outcome is a painful, swollen and stiff joint with reduced movements. It can occur when the joint is injured, broken, infected or “wear-and-tear.” Generally, the inflammation usually goes away after the injury has healed or the infection has resolved.
If the inflammation does not go away, then you may be diagnosed with Arthritis.