Causes of Inflammatory Arthritis
In general, inflammatory arthritis occurs when the immune system is overactive and mistakenly attacks body tissues. More specifically, when the lining of the membranes surrounding your joints called synovium is attacked, pain and stiffness might appear. This is caused by inflammation, which thickens this layer and subsequently damages bone and cartilage within the joints. Scientists are still unclear about the exact cause of this process, though a genetic factor is likely. Genetics also make your body more prone to certain environmental factors that would cause the condition like bacteria or viruses. Other risk factors include gender, age, family history, smoking, obesity, and environmental exposures.[4]
