• Autoimmune arthritis
• Degeneration of cartilage.
• Age, obesity, joint injury, genetics, repetitive stress on a joint.
• Joint pain that worsens with activity, stiffness after rest, tenderness, loss of flexibility, bone spurs.
• Genetics, smoking, female gender, age (though it can start at any age).
• Warm, tender, swollen joints (often symmetrical), morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, fatigue, fever, weight loss.

Causes and Risk Factors

• The risk of most types of arthritis increases with age.
• Some types of arthritis, like RA and OA, have a genetic component.
• Excess weight puts increased stress on weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, spine) and contributes to inflammation.
• Previous damage to a joint can increase the risk of developing OA in that joint.
• Bacterial or viral infections can trigger some forms of arthritis (reactive arthritis).
• Jobs involving repetitive motions or heavy lifting can stress joints.
• RA is more common in women, while gout is more common in men.
• For conditions like RA, the immune system malfunctions.

Signs and Symptoms

• Often a dull ache, but can be sharp. May worsen with activity or at rest.
• Especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Around the affected joint(s).
• Over the joint.
• Difficulty moving the joint fully.
• Common in inflammatory types like RA.
• In advanced stages of certain types, joints may become visibly deformed.

Diagnosis

• Asking about symptoms, family history, and lifestyle.
• Checking joints for swelling, redness, warmth, and range of motion.
• Blood tests (e.g., for inflammation markers like ESR and CRP, autoantibodies like rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP), joint fluid analysis.
• X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound to visualize joint damage or inflammation.

Management and Treatment

• To improve joint mobility, strength, and flexibility.
• To learn ways to perform daily tasks with less strain on joints.
• For pain and stiffness relief.

• Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and cycling.
• Losing excess weight significantly reduces stress on joints.
• An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Balancing activity with rest periods.
• Techniques like meditation and yoga.
• For severely damaged joints (e.g., knee or hip replacement).
• Fusing bones to stabilize a joint and relieve pain.
• Reshaping bone or repositioning joints.
  
  

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