Arthritis is a medical condition that affects the joints, bones, ligaments and other tissues connected to them. This health issue can also be found in other mammals such as dogs and cats. There are various forms of arthritis and the underlying causes will differ depending on the kind that the individual is suffering from. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two of the most widespread forms of the disease there is. They are often found in elderly individuals but may also develop in younger people. Because of the rather painful and distressing nature of this disease, a lot of people are becoming concerned about what causes it and how to cope with it.
The different types of arthritis may also have different causes, which make the disease quite complicated when it comes to types and subtypes. Each of the different forms of arthritis has similar manifestations or symptoms per person. This means that all individuals afflicted with osteoarthritis will have common symptoms. The same goes for the individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and also with the other forms of the condition.
Osteoarthritis: This form of arthritis is commonly caused by injuries or trauma to the joints and the bones, but studies indicate that it may also be prevalent in families with a history of the disease. It is particularly common in siblings, especially identical twins, when there is a family history of the problem. In spite of these probable factors that may contribute to osteoarthritis, additional research is being done regarding the effects of infections, allergies and fungi on a person with regards to the disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The main cause or causes of rheumatoid arthritis are still essentially unknown. Many theories point to a disorder in the autoimmune system in which the body starts to attack certain cells in the belief that they are dangerous for the body. This form of arthritis is quite painful and is also degenerative. It is also known to affect other organs of the body such as the lungs, kidneys, skin and also contribute to atherosclerosis which affects the heart and blood vessels. This type of arthritis is by far one of the most damaging and debilitating.
