Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid forms when the body breaks down substances called purines, which are found naturally in the body and in certain foods. When uric acid levels become too high, crystals can accumulate in joints, leading to sudden and severe pain. Gout commonly …

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects children under the age of 16. It is characterized by persistent joint inflammation that lasts for at least six weeks and has no identifiable cause. The condition can involve one or multiple joints and may also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes or internal organs. Juvenile …

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis. It usually affects people who have psoriasis or a biological family history of psoriasis. Arthritis is a common disorder that affects your joints. It causes pain and inflammation in and around your joints. Psoriasis causes inflammation in your skin. Psoriasis rashes are patches of discolored skin covered with scales. These thick, scaly areas are called plaques. …

Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that develops as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body, most commonly the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract. The arthritis itself is not caused by direct infection of the joints but by an abnormal immune response triggered by the initial infection. Reactive arthritis often affects the knees, ankles, and feet …

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious condition that occurs when swelling in the lungs causes fluid to leak into the tiny air sacs, known as alveoli. These air sacs normally allow oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. When fluid builds up, the lungs cannot fill with enough air, and oxygen levels in the blood drop. As a result, …

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and progressive joint damage. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. The condition can affect people of all ages but is most common in middle-aged adults and tends to be …

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a group of severe illnesses caused by different families of viruses that affect the blood vessels and can lead to widespread bleeding, organ failure, and shock. These viruses damage the vascular system and impair the body’s ability to regulate blood clotting. VHFs are often life-threatening and include diseases such as Ebola, Marburg, Lassa fever, and …

Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection caused by microorganisms, most commonly bacteria. It leads to inflammation within a joint, resulting in pain, swelling, and reduced movement. The condition can develop rapidly and may cause permanent joint damage if not treated promptly. Septic arthritis can affect people of any age, but it is more common in older adults, young children, …

A broken arm refers to a fracture in one or more of the bones of the arm. This can include the upper arm bone (humerus), the two forearm bones (radius and ulna), or bones near the wrist or elbow. Broken arms are common injuries that can occur at any age and range from small cracks in the bone to severe …

Arthritis in your thumb occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning your thumb joints starts to wear out and deteriorate. This type of arthritis is called osteoarthritis. In your thumb, osteoarthritis develops most often in the basal joint at the base of your thumb. This is also called your thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. The CMC joint is located near your wrist at the …