Bacterial and viral infections can strike the joints. The same organisms that are present in pneumonia, gonorrhea, staph infections, and Lyme disease cause the inflammations. Arthritis can develop in conjunction with bowel disorders such as colitis and ileitis, frequently in the joints of the ankles and toes. Such inflammatory bowel diseases seem distant from arthritis, but their control can relieve arthritic pain. Drugs, both prescription drugs and illegal street drugs, can induce arthritis.
Arthritis can be part of a congenital autoimmune disease syndrome, of undetermined origin.
Recent research has suggested, for instance, that a defective gene may play a role in osteoarthritis. Skin changes, including rashes and growths Some Forms of Arthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Dull, throbbing nighttime pain is characteristic, and it may be accompanied by muscle weakness or deterioration. It is a particular problem for the feet when people are overweight, simply because there are so many joints in each foot. The additional weight contributes to the deterioration of cartilage and the development of bone spurs.