What is Arthritis?

How does Osteoarthritis develop?

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Gout

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints in the body. An affected joint is usually warm, swollen, and painful, and movement is often difficult or uncomfortable.

There are many different types of arthritis which have similar symptoms, but different causes.

Some of the most common types of arthritis are: Osteoarthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis (Marie-Str&252;mpell disease; Bechterew's disease) Gout, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of joint disease. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, it is thought to be the result of a process that has different outcomes, rather than a disease. It is characterised by the breakdown of the protective layer at the ends of the bones, called cartilage.

Cartilage is the covering on the ends of the bones that cushions the joint and protects it during movement. If the cartilage becomes worn away, the ends of the bone can become exposed. The muscles and tissues surrounding the joint can become irritated and inflamed, causing pain and stiffness.

Click here to find out how Osteoarthritis develops.