What is Arthritis?
Arthritis encompasses a group of diseases causing pain and inflammation in the joints, which can affect one or multiple joints. There are several types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) being the most common. Arthritis can cause a range of symptoms and has a significant impact on the quality of life.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The most common symptoms of arthritis include:
- Joint Pain and Stiffness: Usually worse in the morning or after inactivity.
- Swelling: Fluid accumulation in the joints can cause swelling.
- Redness and Warmth: The skin around the joint may be red and warm to the touch.
- Decreased Range of Motion: Mobility may decrease as stiffness progresses.
- Physical Deformity: Particularly in advanced cases or specific types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis.