The name arthritis refers to joint inflammation. According to the West Virginia Osteoporosis and Arthritis program, there are more than 100 different types of rheumatic diseases and conditions that fall under the umbrella of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and fibromyalgia. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are among the most common types of arthritis. Certain factors increase one's chances of developing arthritis and its complications.
Family History
A family history of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout increases a person's chance of developing arthritis, according to MayoClinic.com.
As a chronic inflammatory condition, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of the joints, which leads to bone erosion and joint deformity, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Osteoarthritis leads to bone erosion due to a simple wearing away of the lining of the joints. One of the best treatments for arthritis, which is exercise, becomes difficult, if not impossible, as the pain from these conditions increases.
Gout commonly affects persons with high uric acid levels, according to MayoClinic.com. As acid crystals form in the joints, especially the big toe, the joints swell, are very painful and feel hot. A tendency for gout appears to run in families. Persons who get gout often have recurrences. Untreated gout can cause kidney stones and tophi-- deposits of urate crystals under the skin that become swollen and tender during attacks of gout.
Fibromyalgia causes pain throughout the body that seems to move from joint to joint, according to the UMMC. The pain ranges from mild to debilitating. The cause of fibromyalgia is not totally understood. A predisposition for fibromyalgia may run in families. Since fibromyalgia is not fully understood, possible complications are presently unknown.
Age
Rheumatoid arthritis can strike at any age, but most often occurs from the ages of 40 to 60. Osteoarthritis is more likely to occur in persons as they grow older. It commonly affects those 45 and older. A degenerative disease, osteoarthritis worsens with age. As joints degenerate, pain increases. Joint replacement may provide the only true long-term relief from the pain and debilitation of osteoarthritis.
Gout strikes men between the ages of 40 and 50, and strikes women after menopause. Fibromyalgia can strike at any age, but is commonly diagnosed around age 35. Lupus can strike at any age even in infancy. However, it is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, according to MayoClinic.com.
Lupus can cause numerous and serious complications. Pregnant women with lupus experience more miscarriages. Lupus increases one's chances of developing cancer. Persons with lupus experience more blood vessel issues, and they also have more headaches, dizziness, confusion and memory problems. Lupus can damage the kidneys, lungs and heart.
Sex
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis in general affects women more than men. Twenty-four percent of the female population and 18 percent of the male population has arthritis. Gout affects men more than women, but menopause increases a woman's chances of getting gout. Ninety percent of fibromyalgia patients are women. Lupus commonly strikes more women than men.
Smoking
Smoking increases the probability of getting rheumatoid arthritis. Persons who stop smoking reduce their chances of getting rheumatoid arthritis. Cigarette smoking may decrease one's response to treatment. Smoking reduces the oxygen-carrying capabilities of the blood, which reduces the body's ability to nourish damaged tissue and to heal. Smoking may also increase the chances of getting lupus.
Weight
Excess weight increases one's chances not only of acquiring osteoarthritis, but also of a more rapid progression of the disease. The lining of the joints must support the extra weight and may wear out earlier in life. The likelihood of getting osteoarthritis increases with increased weight gain. Also, high levels of fat and cholesterol can increase one's chances of acquiring gout.
Joint Injuries
A joint injury from any cause may increase one's chances of acquiring osteoarthritis later in life. Anything that disturbs the lining of the joints, such as an injury, may increase its chances of wearing away prematurely. The missing lining causes the bones to rub together and degenerate, which causes pain. Joint injury also increases one's chances of getting fibromyalgia.
Overuse
Any occupation or hobby that requires repetitive movement may increase a person's chances of getting osteoarthritis later in life. Overuse by repetitive movement may damage the lining of the joints, which may cause accelerated wear, degeneration and pain.
Triggers
Exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, certain medical conditions and certain lifestyles can increase one's chances of getting fibromyalgia, gout or lupus. Chances of acquiring fibromyalgia increase with an infection or with the presence of another type of arthritis such as gout or lupus. Use of a low-dose aspirin regime, anti-rejection drugs, or the use of diuretics increases the incidence of gout. Diabetes and untreated hypertension also increase the incidence of gout.
Many triggers can activate lupus including sunlight in susceptible persons, long-term use of high blood pressure medications, certain heart medications and tuberculosis drugs. The Epstein-Barr virus carried by nearly everyone can also activate lupus, as can exposure to mercury and silica.
