Arthritis is a term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the joints, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
This is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage that covers the joints. As the cartilage wears down, the bones may rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness. It generally affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.
This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and tissue damage. It can affect any joint and often causes symmetrical inflammation, meaning it affects both joints of the same type (e.g., both wrists).
This occurs in some people who have psoriasis, a skin disease. It is characterized by joint inflammation and skin lesions.
A form of arthritis that occurs when there is an excess of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to the formation of crystals in the joints. This causes sudden episodes of intense pain, redness, and inflammation.