സന്ധിയിലെ വേദന പ്രധാന ലക്ഷണമായ പല അസുഖങ്ങളുണ്ട്. സന്ധിവാതം ഉണ്ട് എന്നു പറയുന്നയാൾക്ക് താഴെപ്പറയുന്ന അസുഖങ്ങളിലൊന്നാവും സാധാരണ ഉണ്ടാവുക.
1.ആങ്കൈലോസിംഗ് സ്പോണ്ടൈലൈറ്റിസ്
2.ഗൗട്ട് 
3.ജുവനൈൽ ഇഡിയോപതിക് 4.ആർത്രൈറ്റിസ്
5.ഓസ്റ്റിയോ ആർത്രൈറ്റിസ്
6.റൂമറ്റോയ്ഡ് ആർത്രൈറ്റിസ്
7.സെപ്റ്റിക് ആർത്രൈറ്റിസ്
8.സ്റ്റിൽസ് ഡിസീസ്
മറ്റു ലക്ഷണങ്ങളേക്കാൾ പ്രാധാന്യം കുറവുള്ളതായാണ് കാണപ്പെടുക
ഏളർ-ഡാൻലോസ് സിൻഡ്രോം
ഫമിലിയൽ മെഡിറ്ററേനിയൻ ഫീവർ
ഹീമോക്രോമറ്റോസിസ്
ഹെനോക്ക്-ഷോൺലിൻ പർപ്യൂറ
ഹെപാറ്റൈറ്റിസ് (കരൾവീക്കം)
ഹൈപർ ഇമ്യൂണോഗ്ലോബുലിനീമിയ ഡി (ഇടവിട്ടുള്ള പനിയോടു കൂടി
ഇൻഫ്ലമേറ്ററി ബവൽ ഡിസീസ് (ക്രോൺസ് ഡിസീസ്, അൾസറേറ്റീവ് കൊളൈറ്റിസ് എന്നിവ ഇതിലുൾപ്പെടും)
ലൈം ഡിസീസ്
സോറിയാസിസ് (സോറിയാറ്റിക് ആർത്രൈറ്റിസ്)
റിയാക്ടീവ് ആർത്രൈറ്റിസ്
സാർകോയ്ഡോസിസ്
ടിഎൻഎഫ് റിസപ്റ്റർ അസ്സോസിയേറ്റഡ് പീരിയോഡിക് സിൻഡ്രോം
വെഗ്നേഴ്സ് ഗ്രാനുലോമാറ്റോസിസ്

Understanding Arthritis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment*

Arthritis is a common condition characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, each with its own unique symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various types of arthritis, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

*Types of Arthritis:*

Arthritis can be broadly classified into two main categories: inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis.

1. *Inflammatory Arthritis:* Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joint lining (synovium), leading to pain, swelling, warmth, and stiffness in the affected joints. Common types of inflammatory arthritis include:

   - Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, causing inflammation, joint damage, and deformity. RA typically affects the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet symmetrically and can lead to systemic complications affecting other organs.

   - Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in individuals with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. Psoriatic arthritis can affect the joints, skin, nails, and other tissues, causing joint pain, swelling, and nail changes.

   - Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing stiffness, pain, and fusion of the vertebrae. It can also affect other joints such as the hips, shoulders, and knees, leading to decreased mobility and flexibility.

   - Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): Juvenile idiopathic arthritis refers to a group of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis conditions that affect children under the age of 16. JIA can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and growth abnormalities and may persist into adulthood.

2. *Osteoarthritis:* Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, characterized by degeneration of the joint cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of function. Osteoarthritis typically affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, as well as the hands and fingers. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include aging, obesity, joint injury, and repetitive stress on the joints.

*Causes of Arthritis:*

The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis and may involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Common causes of arthritis include:

1. *Autoimmune Disorders:* Inflammatory arthritis conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis are autoimmune disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to inflammation and joint damage.

2. *Genetic Predisposition:* Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, have a genetic component, meaning that individuals with a family history of these conditions may be at increased risk of developing arthritis themselves.

3. *Joint Injury:* Joint injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, and ligament tears, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life. Traumatic injuries to the joints can disrupt the normal structure and function of the joint, leading to accelerated wear and tear and degeneration of the joint cartilage.

4. *Obesity:* Excess body weight can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine. Obesity puts added stress on the joints, leading to accelerated wear and tear and degeneration of the joint cartilage.

5. *Infection:* In rare cases, infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi can infect the joints, leading to inflammatory arthritis known as infectious arthritis or septic arthritis. Infection-related arthritis requires prompt medical treatment to prevent joint damage and systemic complications.

6. *Metabolic Disorders:* Metabolic disorders such as gout and pseudogout are types of arthritis caused by the deposition of crystalline substances in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. Gout is characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals, while pseudogout is caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals.

7. *Other Factors:* Other factors such as hormonal imbalances, environmental exposures, dietary factors, and lifestyle habits may also contribute to the development or progression of arthritis in some individuals.

*Symptoms of Arthritis:*

The symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type of arthritis, severity of inflammation, and affected joints. Common symptoms of arthritis include:

1. *Joint Pain:* Pain is a hallmark symptom of arthritis and may vary in intensity from mild to severe. Joint pain may be dull, achy, throbbing, or sharp and may worsen with movement or activity.

2. *Joint Swelling:* Inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis) can lead to swelling and enlargement of the affected joints. Swollen joints may feel warm, tender, and stiff to the touch.

3. *Joint Stiffness:* Stiffness and reduced range of motion are common symptoms of arthritis, particularly upon waking in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Stiffness may improve with movement and gentle stretching exercises.

4. *Joint Redness and Warmth:* Inflammatory arthritis conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis may cause redness and warmth in the affected joints, indicating active inflammation.

5. *Joint Deformity:* Chronic inflammation and joint damage can lead to joint deformity and malalignment in advanced cases of arthritis. Deformities may affect the appearance and function of the joints, leading to impaired mobility and disability.

6. *Fatigue:* Chronic pain, inflammation, and sleep disturbances associated with arthritis can contribute to fatigue and decreased energy levels. Fatigue may interfere with daily activities and quality of life in individuals with arthritis.

7. *Systemic Symptoms:* In addition to joint symptoms, some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may cause systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and generalized malaise.

*Diagnosis of Arthritis:*

Diagnosing arthritis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Healthcare providers may use the following approaches to diagnose arthritis and determine the underlying type and cause:

1. *Medical History:* Healthcare providers will inquire about symptoms, onset, duration, and severity of joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and functional limitations. They may also ask about family history, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors that may be relevant to the diagnosis.

2. *Physical Examination:* A physical examination may be performed to assess for signs of inflammation, joint tenderness, swelling, warmth, redness, and deformity. Healthcare providers may also evaluate joint range of motion, muscle strength, and functional abilities.

3. *Imaging Studies:* Imaging studies such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, and ultrasound may be used to visualize the structure and integrity of the joints, identify signs of joint damage, and assess for changes consistent with arthritis.

4. *Laboratory Tests:* Blood tests may be performed to assess for markers of inflammation, autoimmune antibodies,