The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type. In general, arthritis involves inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

Specific causes may include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body's tissues, particularly the synovium, a thin membrane that lines the joints.

• Osteoarthritis: Often associated with wear and tear on the joints over time, leading to the breakdown of cartilage.

• Genetics can play a role in some types of arthritis. For example, certain genes have been associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Prenatal tests are generally not conducted for arthritis since it is typically not considered a genetic disorder that manifests in utero. However, prenatal genetic testing can be performed for other conditions if there's a family history or if specific risk factors are present.

Diagnosis of arthritis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound), and laboratory tests (such as blood tests to check for markers of inflammation or specific antibodies in the case of autoimmune arthritis like RA).

The inheritance pattern of arthritis varies depending on the specific type. Some forms, like rheumatoid arthritis, have a genetic component, but they also involve complex interactions between genetics and environmental factors (like smoking, infections, etc.). Other types, like osteoarthritis, are more influenced by environmental factors and age-related wear and tear.

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of arthritis, but common symptoms include:

• Joint pain

• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity

• Swelling and redness around the affected joints

• Decreased range of motion

• Fatigue

• Fever (in some autoimmune types like rheumatoid arthritis)

• In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms can extend beyond the joints to affect other organs, such as the eyes, skin, lungs, and heart.

Osteoarthritis primarily affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine.

Psoriatic arthritis often presents with joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, typically in combination with psoriasis, a skin condition.

Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine, causing pain and stiffness, often starting in the lower back and buttocks and gradually progressing up the spine.

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often affecting the big toe.

Fallon, Elizabeth A. “Prevalence of Diagnosed Arthritis — United States, 2019–2021.” MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, vol. 72, no. 41, 2023, www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7241a1.htm, https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7241a1.

Mayo Clinic. “Arthritis - Diagnosis and Treatment - Mayo Clinic.” Mayoclinic.org, 29 Aug. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350777.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Arthritis Types | CDC.” Www.cdc.gov, 10 Jan. 2022, www.cdc.gov/arthritis/types/index.html.

“Arthritis Research at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.” Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, 2016, www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-research/.

“Arthritis News.” ScienceDaily, www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/arthritis/. Accessed 27 Mar. 2024.

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Osteoporosis and arthritis: Two common but different conditions. (2016).
https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/conditions-behaviors/osteoporosis-arthritis

Arthritis and rheumatic diseases. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis-and-rheumatic-diseases. Accessed July 7, 2021.

Arthritis Foundation. What Is Arthritis? (https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis) Last updated 6/9/2022. Accessed 11/13/2023.

National Library of Medicine (U.S.). Arthritis (https://medlineplus.gov/arthritis.html). Last updated 3/1/2016. Accessed 11/13/2023.

Sharma A, et al. (2015). Dermatologic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis.
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/dermatologic-manifestations-of-rheumatoid-arthritis-2161-1149-1000168.php?aid=60812