Arthritis
Arthritis is a type of disease that primarily causes damage of the joints of the body. Arthritis comes in a number of different forms depending on the symptoms. Each of these different forms of arthritis have different causes as well.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune form of arthritis. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks itself. This form of arthritis causes joint damage.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis occurs after damage to, infection of, or aging of a joint. This is a degenerative form of joint disease.
Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is also an autoimmune form of arthritis. This form of arthritis attacks the skin leaving itchy and raw patches.
Septic Arthritis: Joint infections can result in transient joint damage that could progress to osteoarthritis or resolve after a few weeks. This form of arthritis does cause joint damage though it mends after a short period.
Arthritis
Gouty/pseudogout arthritis: Gout and pseudogout arthritis results from precipitation of insoluble crystals out of fluid bathing the joint. These tiny crystals stay in the joint causing inflammation, pain, and damage.
The common denominator with all types of arthritis is pain. Each form has characteristic locations and timing of pain onset and relief.
Often people associate cracking knuckles with arthritis causes. However, this myth can be dispelled as there is no evidence to support this tall tale.
Over time as arthritis progresses, especially with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, the joints begin to deform. Arthritis can resolve over time but will often leave behind severely deformed fingers, knees, and other joints which are more or less useless.