Coping with Arthritis in Its Many Forms
(continued)
Common Types of Arthritis continued...
Other Forms
Arthritis can develop as a result of an infection. For example, bacteria that cause gonorrhea or Lyme disease can cause arthritis. Infectious arthritis can cause serious damage, but usually clears up completely with antibiotics. Scleroderma is a systemic disease that involves the skin, but may include problems with blood vessels, joints, and internal organs. Fibromyalgia syndrome is a soft-tissue rheumatism that doesn't lead to joint deformity, but affects an estimated 5 million Americans, mostly women.
Carolyn J. Strange is a science and medical writer in Saratoga, CA.
WebMD Public Information from the FDA


