Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue covering the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
Uric acid crystals, which form when there's too much uric acid in your blood, can cause gout. Infections or underlying diseases, such as psoriasis or lupus, can cause other types of arthritis.
People are often surprised to learn that “arthritis” isn’t a diagnosis. It’s a general term that covers more than 100 diseases and related conditions. Knowing which type of arthritis you have is the first step in getting the proper treatment and management plan for your situation. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Signs and symptoms:
The symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the nature and severity of the underlying cause. The symptoms include:
- Pain, swelling, or stiffness in one or more joints.
- Joints that are red or warm to the touch.
- Joint tenderness or stiffness.
- Difficulty moving a joint or doing daily activities.
- Joint symptoms that cause you concern.
When to see the doctor?
- Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Joint symptoms that last three days or more.
- Several episodes of joint symptoms within a month.