Causes of Arthritis

For many types of arthritic diseases, no cause is known. Researchers are looking at possible causes for many of these diseases. With osteoarthritis, extreme stress on a joint may play a role in how this disease develops. Stress can be caused by weak cartilage (which runs in families) or from repeated injury to the joint. Biological make-up and family history may play a role in gout, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, anklosing spondylitis, and some other arthritic diseases.

Researchers are also looking at why some people develop these diseases and others do not. Being overweight and aging appear to increase a person's chances of getting osteoarthritis. And, women are more likely than men to get lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.