The most common cause of inflammatory arthritis is autoimmune disorders, which occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This can lead to inflammation in the joints, resulting in pain and stiffness. Other causes of inflammatory arthritis include infections, such as lyme disease, and metabolic disorders, such as gout. In some cases, the cause of the inflammatory arthritis is unknown.
In autoimmune disorders, the body produces autoantibodies, which bind to the body's own cells and tissues. This triggers an immune reaction, which can lead to inflammation in the joints. Common autoimmune disorders that can cause inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Infectious diseases can also cause inflammatory arthritis. Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, is a common cause of the condition. Other infections, such as hepatitis B, can also lead to inflammatory arthritis.
Metabolic disorders, such as gout, can also cause inflammatory arthritis. In gout, uric acid crystals form in the joints, leading to inflammation. Other metabolic disorders, such as hyperlipidemia and hypothyroidism, can also trigger inflammation in the joints.
In some cases, the cause of the inflammation is unknown. This is known as idiopathic inflammatory arthritis. In these cases, the cause is likely to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Overall, the most common cause of inflammatory arthritis is autoimmune disorders. However, infections, metabolic disorders, and idiopathic causes can also lead to the condition.