19/02/2025
There are over 100 types of arthritis!
Here are the main causes based on the type of arthritis:
1. Osteoarthritis (OA) – “Wear and Tear” Arthritis
✔ Cause: Breakdown of cartilage due to aging, overuse, or joint injuries.
✔ Risk Factors: Aging, obesity, repetitive joint movements, previous injuries.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Autoimmune Disease
✔ Cause: The immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues, leading to inflammation.
✔ Risk Factors: Genetics, smoking, infections, and hormonal changes.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) – Linked to Psoriasis
✔ Cause: The immune system attacks the joints and skin, causing inflammation.
✔ Risk Factors: Family history, psoriasis, and immune dysfunction.
4. Gout – Uric Acid Build-Up
✔ Cause: Excess uric acid crystals accumulate in joints, causing intense pain.
✔ Risk Factors: High-purine diet (red meat, alcohol), obesity, kidney disease.
5. Lupus Arthritis – Autoimmune Disorder
✔ Cause: The immune system attacks various body tissues, including joints.
✔ Risk Factors: Genetics, infections, and environmental triggers.
6. Infectious Arthritis (Septic Arthritis)
✔ Cause: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections in the joint.
✔ Risk Factors: Surgery, open wounds, weak immune system.
7. Reactive Arthritis – Post-Infection Response
✔ Cause: Triggered by infections (e.g., chlamydia, food poisoning).
✔ Risk Factors: Recent infections, genetics (HLA-B27 gene).
8. Juvenile Arthritis (JIA) – Inflammatory Arthritis in Children
✔ Cause: Autoimmune attack on the joints in children.
✔ Risk Factors: Genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction.