Artropatie

Artropatie refers to any disease or abnormality of a joint. This broad term encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect the structure and function of joints, leading to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. The causes of artropatie are diverse and can include degenerative processes, inflammatory conditions, infections, metabolic disorders, or trauma.

One common type of artropatie is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage over time. This leads to pain and stiffness, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Rheumatoid arthritis is another significant form, classified as an autoimmune inflammatory disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joint tissues, causing inflammation and potential joint damage. Other conditions falling under the umbrella of artropatie include gout, psoriatic arthritis, and infectious arthritis, each with distinct underlying causes and pathological mechanisms. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging techniques like X-rays or MRI, and laboratory tests. Treatment strategies are tailored to the specific type of artropatie and aim to manage pain, reduce inflammation, preserve joint function, and improve the patient's quality of life.