Coloured X-ray showing the hands of a patient with haemochromatosis. This is a physiological disorder where excessive amounts of iron are absorbed by the body. It is an inherited disease caused by a genetic defect and can cause organ damage and arthritis. In this case damage can be seen in the finger joints. Haemochromatosis is treated by removal of the excess iron by bloodletting, as the blood is the bodys largest store of iron.