Arthritis

Department

Arthritis

Arthritis is a term used to describe inflammation of one or more joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased mobility. It is not a single disease but rather a group of over 100 different conditions affecting the joints, tissues around the joints, and other connective tissues. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but other types include psoriatic arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Osteoarthritis (OA):

  • OA is the most common form of arthritis and is typically associated with aging and wear and tear on the joints.
  • It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to bone rubbing against bone.
  • OA commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, as well as the hands and fingers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

  • RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints.
  • This leads to inflammation, which can cause joint damage, deformity, and erosion of bone and cartilage.
  • RA often affects smaller joints first, such as those in the hands and feet, but can progress to larger joints over time.