Arthritis describes a range of conditions causing joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, significantly impacting mobility. This chronic disease affects...
Arthritis is a general term for joint inflammation, which can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in one or more joints.
The most common types include osteoarthritis (degenerative 'wear and tear' arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune inflammatory condition), and psoriatic arthritis.
Key symptoms include persistent joint pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling, redness, tenderness, and a decreased ability to move the affected joint.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, review of medical history, blood tests (to check for inflammatory markers), and imaging scans like X-rays or MRI to assess joint damage.
Most types of arthritis are chronic and cannot be cured, but treatments focus on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, improving joint function, and enhancing quality of life.