What is a simple definition of arthritis?
Arthritis means inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. It describes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness.
What are three causes of arthritis?
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.
- Your sex.
- Previous joint injury.
- Obesity.
What is arthritic arthritis?
Arthritis means inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. It describes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness. For information about a specific type…
What does it mean to have undifferentiated arthritis?
When a patient has symptoms consistent with inflammatory arthritis but not a specific type, they are classified as having undifferentiated arthritis. It’s a way of saying that no definitive diagnosis can yet be made.
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining (synovial membrane) becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint. Risk factors for arthritis include: Family history.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
It describes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness. For information about a specific type of arthritis, click on one of the grey boxes below.