arthritis

Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that involve inflammation of joints. It commonly causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Symptoms can vary in duration and may affect one joint or many joints, and they may worsen with age or activity.

Several major forms exist. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition resulting from wear and tear on joint cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joint lining and can affect multiple organs. Gout results from uric acid crystal buildup in joints. Psoriatic arthritis is linked with psoriasis. There are also infectious arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which occurs in children.

Diagnosis relies on medical history, physical examination, imaging such as X-ray or MRI, and laboratory tests including inflammatory markers and antibodies. Treatment aims to relieve pain, maintain joint function, and slow disease progression. It may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen for pain, disease-modifying drugs for autoimmune types, biologic therapies, corticosteroids, physical therapy, weight management, and activity modification. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be considered.

Arthritis is a chronic condition without a cure in many forms, but effective management can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and ongoing medical care are important, and prognosis depends on the type and severity. Prevention focuses on healthy weight, regular exercise, and injury prevention.