Arthritis causes, symptoms and Risks

What are the Causes/Risks?

OSTEOARTHRITIS

* Degenerative joint disease which is most often the result of aging.
* It can also develop because of injury such as bones broken, intense physical activity as in athletics or a defect in the protein comprising the cartilage.
* Osteoarthritis appears to have a genetic link; if both your parents have it, it could be that you will develop it, too.


RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

* Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder.
* Or it may be caused by a viral infection that sets off the immune response in which the synovial membrane falls under attack.
* There is some conjecture that physical and/or emotional stress may bring on the disorder.
* Poor nutrition may also contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.



INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS

* Infectious arthritis is when a virus or bacteria travels to the joint and attacks it.
* It is much less common than the other two types of arthritis discussed above.
* Infectious arthritis can be overlooked in treatment of the injury or illness that caused it. If left untreated, infectious arthritis can cause permanent damage.



What are the Symptoms?

OSTEOARTHRITIS

* Stiffness, deformity and pain. No swelling of the joints at first, though inflammation may occur later on. Joints may enlarge as well. A popping and clicking noise accompanies a grating feel as joints become less mobile.



RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

* Swelling, inflammation and stiffness, especially in the morning, in specific joints on both sides of the body. Joints enlarge.
* In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, fever off and on, anemia, loss of appetite and weight are indicators.



INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS

* Fever, chills, body aches, pneumonia, confusion, dizziness, low blood pressure, shock, swelling, redness, pain and tenderness in joints.


Description
Nutrition & Diet
Treatment
Websites & studies
References and Sources: Medline, Pubmed, National Institutes of Health