Arthritis and osteoblasts. Osteoclast activity can be directly induced by osteoblasts through the RANK/RANKL mechanism. Lupus is a common collagen vascular disorder that can be present with severe arthritis. Other features of lupus include a skin rash, extreme photosensitivity, hair loss, kidney problems, lung fibrosis and constant joint pain. Gout is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation. There is also an uncommon form of gouty arthritis caused by the formation of rhomboid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate known as pseudogout. In the early stages, the gouty arthritis usually occurs in one joint, but with time, it
Septic arthritis Septic arthritis most commonly causes pain, swelling, and warmth at the affected joint. Therefore, those affected by septic arthritis will often refuse to use the extremity and prefer to hold the joint rigidly. Fever is also a symptom; however, it is less likely in older patients. On physical examination, the septic joint should be ruled out of intra-articular (from inside the joint) or periarticular (around the joint such as bursa and skin) cause. Intra-articular arthritis usually results in severe limitation of the range of movement of the joint with the joint held in extended position; the joint space will be