subject: Joint Pains: Causes of Arthritis [print this page] Joint Pains: Causes of Arthritis Joint Pains: Causes of Arthritis
Arthritis is probably the one most common seen inflammation on the bodily joints that normally result in much pain. Typical of this joint pain is swelling, stiffness, and rigid movement. In the medical fields, there are many different types of arthritis.
The sheer pain arising from arthritis on any parts or joints of the body is enough to prevent and limit daily normal working activities. On a more serious case, it can cause total disability that will result in the total inability to undertake any normal duty. It should be noted that while this is common problem, many sufferers do not really know how best to treat it. It is necessary to understand the cause of it, and the need to address this joint pain in two parts; one to be aware of the treatments available and secondly to steer clear of daily chores or activities that may worsen the affected area.
Arthritis is a result of the wear and tear of joints or cartilage. A direct cause is aging. As the person gets older, the cartilage that protects the joint wears off. This cartilage protects the joint and without the cushion, the bones rub into each other resulting in pain, inflammation or swelling and tautness.
The other common causes are a result of the over exertion or usage putting overwhelming pressure on the joints. This is obvious that many athletics fall victims to this arthritis through their quest for excellence sporting achievement. Many may call this sport injury. Other normal activities may also contribute to this joint pain such as the routine carrying of heavy loads relative to one's weight. Occupational hazard as we called it. It may be true that an obese person may have a higher rate of contracting arthritis relative to their peers who maintain a healthy body shape due to the upper bodily weight acting as constant pressure on the lower joints.
Joint inflammation can happen due to various reasons. The common problems include;
Fractured bone due to accident or injury
Breakdown of the cartilage due to old age or injury. Osteoarthritis is common in old age
Infection caused by bacteria or viruses
Prior injury. Sport injury
Occupational hazard
Normal course of anti-inflammatory drugs may get the swelling to go off once the injury, disease or infection is healed.
Certain inflammation may not go away after medications. And if this joint pain resurfaces regularly the possibility of contracting arthritis is imminent. Swelling is most common to occur in areas around the fingers, hips or knees.
Other common causes of arthritis include:
Adult Still's disease
Ankylosing spondylitis
Gout
Scleroderma
Viral arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Reactive arthritis or also known as Reiter syndrome
