What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common.
Typical Pattern:
Joint pain and stiffness that typically worsen with age; swelling, redness, and warmth around affected joints; decreased range of motion.
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness
- Inflammation in and around the joints
- Limited movement of the joints
- Warmth and redness in affected areas
- Muscle weakness around joints
- Fatigue and general feeling of being unwell
Main Types of Arthritis
The two most common types of arthritis are:
Osteoarthritis
The “wear-and-tear” arthritis that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. Most commonly affects hands, knees, hips, and spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints. This can lead to joint deformity and bone erosion.
Other types include psoriatic arthritis, gout, lupus, and infectious arthritis.
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