Arthritis

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. There are several types of arthritis, but the most common ones are:

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1. Osteoarthritis: This type involves wear-and-tear damage to a joint’s cartilage — the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones where they form a joint. Cartilage cushions the ends of bones and allows nearly frictionless joint motion. However, enough damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, causing pain and restricted movement.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis: In this disease, the immune system attacks the joints, starting with the lining of joints. It can lead to inflammation, pain, and joint damage. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects multiple joints and can cause systemic symptoms.

Other types of arthritis include gout (caused by uric acid crystals), infectious arthritis, and those associated with underlying conditions like psoriasis or lupus. Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis, with the main goals being to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life

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