A chronic disorder of joints, arthritis, is characterized by inflammation, pain, stiffness and tenderness of the joints of various organs. The joints of fingers, wrists, hands, shoulders, hips, knees, feet and spine are affected by this disease. The causes of inflammatory, non-inflammatory and infectious arthritis are different. People with genetic factors, excess body weight, previous joint injury, bacterial or viral infections and tumor necrosis factor are at the higher risk of developing arthritis. These risk factors for arthritis are responsible for development of almost all forms of arthritis.

By knowing the risk factors for arthritis, this disease can be prevented leading to a pain-free life. Some of the modifiable risk factors are overweight and obesity, infection, joint injuries and occupation. Excess body weight plays a significant role in onset and progression of arthritis, specifically knee osteoarthritis. It can impart excess stress on the joints which can lead to breakdown of joint cartilage. Previous joint injuries and bacterial, fungal and viral infections can enhance the development of arthritis like septic arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Some occupations that involve repetitive knee squatting and bending can give rise to knee osteoarthritis. Besides this, some forms of arthritis including psoriatic arthritis are associated with other disease.

Age, genetic and gender are non-modifiable risk factors for arthritis. The risk of developing different types of arthritis increases with aging. With aging, water content of cartilage decreases and protein mass increases, due to which there may be degeneration of cartilage leading to inflammation of joints. Most types of arthritis are most common in women than in men. However, gout is more frequently found in males than in females. Certain genes such as HLA-B27 are related to higher risk of some types of arthritis including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

If arthritis becomes chronic and severe, it can give rise to some complications. Complications of arthritis are secondary conditions. Joint stiffness and development of deformities in the joints are the most common complications of arthritis. It can cause restriction in the mobility of joints. It becomes very difficult for a person to do daily routine activities. Due to these disabilities, there may be adverse effects on physical and mental health of the patient.

Besides this, other body parts such as kidneys, lungs, heart, eyes and skin are involved in many types of arthritis. As the disease progresses, there may be inflammation of these body parts and give rise to many serious conditions.