Arthritis is not a disease, it is term which covers more than 100 medical conditions categorized according to their symptoms and causes. Osteoarthritis is undoubtedly the most common of them all while rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and infectious arthritis or septic arthritis are other common names for different arthritic conditions and symptoms.

Osteoarthritis occurs due to lack of elasticity in cartilages. In the joints two bones are held at a proper position by the ligaments and their ends covered by cartilages which works as a cushion and shock absorber as well as avoids the two bones from rubbing each other. In osteoarthritis cartilages become brittle which stretches the tendons and ligaments to cause severe pain while moving the joints. It is accompanied by mild inflammation but severe pain whenever weight is put on the joints in the activities like walking, standing or bending the joints. This arthritic condition restricts the range of the movement of the joint. It is also well known as degenerative disease as it is prevalent in the people above the age of 55 yrs. Over age can cause loss of elasticity in the cartilages even if the person is in good health unless special care and precautions are being taken to prevent it.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease where synovial fluid is attacked and shows the symptoms of pain and inflammation in the joints. It can cause permanent disability by destroying the joints if left untreated. It is caused by chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder where immune system of the body attacks healthy tissues causing severe damage to bones, muscles, lungs, skin and blood vessels. It is more prevalent in women than men and it is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition.

The symptoms of infectious arthritis or septic arthritis vary according to the infection. This arthritic condition occurs when synovial fluid and cartilages are attacked by the infection flowing in the bloodstream. The infecting agents can be bacteria, virus or fungi which have entered in to the blood and can move with stream. The people already suffering with some form of arthritis and get infected with an infection which can travel in the bloodstream are most susceptible for such type of arthritis.

The symptoms of gout arthritis are almost similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis the only difference is that it affects the big toe first with severe attacks of pain and immobility and later it can affect any other joint of the body. This condition occurs due to the presence of uric acid crystals in the blood causing damage to synovial fluid and cartilages.

Diffused vertebra and rigid spine can be a symptom of ankylosing spondylitis arthritis, these symptoms are mild and difficult to diagnose. Inflammation of bones and joints starting from fingers or spine are symptoms of psoriatic arthritis which are mild but can affect the whole body. Some diseases like lupus, fibromyalgia and lyme disease can cause arthritis as they can affect joints, skin, tissues and bones, Scleroderma is a systemic skin disease but it can also affect joints, blood vessels and internal organs and may promote rheumatic arthritis condition.

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