This is considered arthritis. There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis, with many different possible causes. Osteoarthritis is the most common variety of arthritis seen in the United States. Gout , seen more commonly in males over 40 years of age, causes arthritis by the formation of crystals in joints with subsequent inflammation. Arthritis can also develop as a complication of an infectious disease caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus.
Gonorrhea is one such bacterial infection that causes a so-called infectious arthritis.
Autoimmune disorders , such as rheumatoid arthritis , lupus, and scleroderma, can cause arthritis as well. In these diseases, something goes wrong with the immune system, which then attacks healthy parts of the body such as joints. Arthritis can occur in males and females of all ages, with osteoarthritis occuring much more in older individuals. About 37 million people in America have arthritis of some kind, which is almost 1 out of every 7 people. In people over 55 years of age, women are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis.