Arthritis is a common disorder that affects the joints, causing pain and inflammation, making it difficult to move or stay active. There are many types of arthritis, and each form causes different symptoms and may need different treatments. The causes of many types of arthritis are not fully known, but some factors make you more likely to develop arthritis, including:

• Family history: Some types of arthritis run in families, so you may be more likely to develop arthritis if your parents or siblings have the disorder.

• Age: The risk of developing arthritis increases with age.

• Gender: Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while men are more likely to develop gout.

• Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips, and spine. People with obesity have a higher risk of developing arthritis.

• Injury: Previous damage to a joint, such as from a sports injury, can increase the risk of developing arthritis.

• Infection: Some types of arthritis can be caused by bacterial infections, specifically strep throat.

• Stress: Stress can trigger a flare-up of arthritis symptoms, leading to more inflammation and intense pain.

• Weather: Cold and damp weather can stiffen joints and aggravate arthritis, and changes in barometric pressure may also have some effect on arthritis.

Different types of arthritis have different triggers. For example, the most common triggers of an osteoarthritis flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint, bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection, or weight gain. Psoriasis flares can trigger psoriatic arthritis symptoms, and common triggers for psoriasis flares include stress, injury to your skin, certain medications, bacterial infections, and other factors. It is important to identify the triggers of arthritis flare-ups to avoid them and manage the symptoms effectively.