Do you know about Arthritis?

Arthritis is a term that refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, each with its own set of symptoms and causes. Some common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. 

Symptoms of osteoarthritis arthritis: 

• Pain and stiffness in the joints, particularly after periods of inactivity or during movement
• Swelling in the affected joints
• Decreased range of motion in the affected joints
• A crunching or grinding sensation when moving the affected joints
• Bone spurs, which are bony growths that form around the affected joints 

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: 

• Pain and swelling in multiple joints, often symmetrically (affecting both sides of the body equally)
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Anemia (low red blood cell count) 

The main cause of arthritis is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, are more common in older adults and are thought to be related to wear and tear on the joints over time. Other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are thought to be caused by an immune system malfunction that causes inflammation in the joints. 

Arthritis symptoms and causes: 

The symptoms of arthritis depend on the type of arthritis and the severity of the condition. In general, symptoms may include: 

• Pain and stiffness in the joints
• Swelling in the affected joints
• Decreased range of motion in the affected joints
• Tenderness in the affected joints
• Redness and warmth in the affected joints  

Risk factors for arthritis include:

Family history. Some types of arthritis run in families, so you may be more likely to develop arthritis if your parents or siblings have the disorder. 
Age. The risk of many types of arthritis — including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout — increases with age. 
Your sex. Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while most of the people who have gout, another type of arthritis, are men. 
Previous joint injury. People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint. 
Obesity. Carrying excess pounds puts stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips and spine. People with obesity have a higher risk of developing arthritis.  

Types of arthritis  

• An immune system malfunction that causes inflammation in the joints (rheumatoid arthritis)
• Infections (septic arthritis)
• Abnormal metabolism (gout)
• Inherited factors (juvenile arthritis)