Joint diseases are a common cause of discomfort, limitation of daily activities and disability. Every movement of the body involves the utilization of multiple joints--the intersections between bones. Arthritis is a general medical term used to describe any condition that causes joint inflammation. Many diseases and disorders can inflame the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased range of motion. The most common joint diseases in the United States include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease wherein the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center notes that a defining feature of rheumatoid arthritis is a symmetric pattern of joint involvement. This means that the involvement is the same on both sides of the body. The finger joints closest to the hand and the wrists are commonly affected. Less commonly, the knees, hips, feet, ankles, elbows and shoulders may be involved. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by severe symptoms punctuated by periods in which the disease is relatively quiescent. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) estimates that 1.3 million adult Americans have rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition caused by the slowly progressive deterioration of the cartilage between two bones, explains the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Cartilage normally acts as a gliding and buffering surface between the bones. Loss of this tissue causes inflammation and pain. Bony nodules may develop around the affected joints, causing deformity. The hips, knees, spine and the most distal finger joints are most commonly involved in osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. Obesity is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis in the weight-bearing joints. NIAMS estimates that 27 million American adults have osteoarthritis, making it the most common form of the arthritis in the United States.
Gouty Arthritis
Gouty arthritis is an acute inflammatory condition caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints. The crystals form when the level of uric acid in the blood is abnormally elevated, advises the Arthritis Foundation. Certain foods may contribute to elevated uric acid levels, including anchovies, herring, organ meats, mushrooms and asparagus. Excessive alcohol intake increases the risk for gouty arthritis. The Mayo Clinic notes that decreased elimination of uric acid by the kidneys may also be a contributing factor in the development of gouty arthritis. Attacks of gout characteristically cause exquisite pain. The joint at the base of the big toe is most often affected, although joints in the wrists, hands, ankles or feet may be involved. An acute attack of gouty arthritis usually clears in a few days to weeks. Attacks of gouty arthritis may recur. Untreated gout may progress to a chronic form of the illness, wherein the joints are persistently swollen, with intermittent pain flares.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Osteoarthritis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis Foundation: Gout
