Arthritis is a blanket term for several different conditions that result in inflammation of joints in the body. This inflammation can cause extreme pain and swelling, making the joints difficult to use. Arthritis can be caused by an overactive immune system, joint damage or as a result of substances building up in the joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, FamilyDoctor.org explains, is a type of arthritis that is caused by the immune system. The immune systems of patients with rheumatoid arthritis attack the cartilage that lines the joints in the body, destroying the cartilage and causing the joints to become inflamed. This leads to the bones losing some of the protection and cushioning that is necessary for them to work properly in the joint. The end result is joint pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects many joints in the body and typically begins between the ages of 25 and 50. For some patients, it appears to be triggered by an infection, and some patients are genetically predisposed to developing this kind of arthritis, notes FamilyDoctor.org.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is marked by the gradual destruction of cartilage due to wear and tear. This causes bone-on-bone contact, which damages the bones and leads to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, lower back and neck, the Mayo Clinic notes. Patients can develop stiffness in the joints, which is particularly noticeable in the morning or after periods of rest. Activity involving the affected joints can result in a grinding sensation in the joint; osteoarthritis can also cause bone spurs to develop around the affected joints. According to the Mayo Clinic, osteoarthritis is the result of too much stress being placed on joints, which can be due to overuse or to joints having to support excess weight.
Gout
Gout is an extremely painful form of arthritis that is the result of small crystals made up of a compound called uric acid accumulating in the joints. The uric acid crystals appear in the synovial fluid, which cushions and lubricates joints. These crystals cause massive inflammation, which can cause extreme tenderness, swelling and pain. One of the characteristic symptoms of gouty arthritis is severe pain in the joint of the big toe, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin diseases explains. Gout can also lead to small crystals being deposited under the skin and the formation of kidney stones made out of uric acid. Gout can be triggered by drug or alcohol use, infections or stress placed on the body, notes NIAMS.
