Injury or obesity can hasten the damage caused by aging. These processes can cause pain and deformity or limit mobility. Joints most likely affected by osteoarthritis are fingers, knees, hips, feet and the spine. Osteoarthritis is by far the most common type of arthritis and is generally the one people think of. Besides joint inflammation that leads to deformity and immobility, the disease can cause chronic fatigue, eye problems, skin nodules, and damage to the lungs or other organs.
Lupus affects more women than men.
Over time, it can cause serious damage to the lungs, heart, kidneys or even the brain. Signs and symptoms of lupus may include fever, weakness, weight loss, skin rash, joint and muscle aches, and chest pain. This condition usually begins where the spine meets the pelvis, and it is marked by lower backache, flu-like symptoms and perhaps eye redness, chest pain or heel tenderness. Untreated, spondylitis can gradually progress up the spine as it involves successive vertebrae. Regular physical therapy to strengthen back muscles plus medications to manage pain and inflammation are used to treat spondylitis.