Other things that may lead to arthritis include obesity, injury to and overuse of joints. OA is age-related. According to the Arthritis Foundation, recent research studies indicate that RA, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis may be set-off, in susceptible individuals, by surrounding factors, possibly by bacteria. The symptoms of arthritis vary by type and can be quite debilitating. In OA, joints ache or feel mildly sore, especially with movement.
Symptoms are usually worse after either overuse or a period of inactivity.
In addition, joints may be difficult to move, although usually they are not completely stiff. People with RA experience inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints and muscles, low-grade fever, and lumps under the skin around the elbows and fingers. If left untreated or poorly managed, arthritis can be very debilitating, both physically and emotionally. But there are many effective treatments available and new treatments are being developed. When none of these treatments have been successful, surgery to replace the damaged joint may be the best option.