Definition and Causes of Arthritis

Arthritis is a joint disorder that includes inflammation. Joints are the areas of the body where two different bones meet. Joint functions to move the body parts connected by bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints.

Arthritis is often accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia.

There are many types of arthritis (over 100 and counting). Types of cover associated with cartilage damage caused by the use (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many types of arthritis form the most common chronic disease in America.

The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), metabolic abnormalities (such as gout and pseudogout), heredity factors, infections, and the causes are not clear (such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus).

Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. These are conditions that are diseases of different individuals, the characteristics, treatments, complications, and prognosis-a different prognosis. They are similar in that they have a tendency to affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons, and many have the potential to affect areas of the body.