Causes and Types of Arthritis
Arthritis develops from a combination of genetic, lifestyle, immune, and environmental factors. Each type of arthritis has its own underlying cause and pattern of joint involvement. Learn more about the causes and types of arthritis below.
1. Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Caused by the breakdown of cartilage over time
- Often due to ageing, joint overuse, or injury
- Common in knees, hips, hands, and spine
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue
- Causes inflammation, pain, and eventual joint deformity
- Can also affect organs like the lungs and heart
3. Gout
- Caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood
- Crystals form in the joints, especially the big toe
- Triggered by certain foods, alcohol, or dehydration
4. Psoriatic Arthritis
- Linked to psoriasis, a skin condition with red, scaly patches
- Affects joints and tendons, often with nail changes
5. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
- Affects children under age 16
- Symptoms include joint swelling, limping, and fatigue
Risk Factors:
- Ageing
- Family history
- Obesity
- Injury or joint overuse
- Infections or immune dysfunction
In South Africa, osteoarthritis is the most common, especially among older adults and manual labourers. However, conditions like gout and rheumatoid arthritis are also widely seen.
Let’s now look at how arthritis is diagnosed.
👉 [Next: Diagnosis of Arthritis]
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