Arthritis is a term used to describe pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints
. It is a common condition, especially in people older than 50, and can cause joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with varying causes and treatments
. Some of the most common types include:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) : This type of arthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to a joint's cartilage, which is the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) : This is a type of inflammatory arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, such as joints, causing inflammation
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) : This autoimmune condition is also a type of spondyloarthritis, causing painful swelling and stiffness within and around joints, as well as a red scaly skin rash called psoriasis
- Reactive arthritis : This type of arthritis is caused by an infection in the body
- Ankylosing spondylitis : This type of arthritis causes inflammation in the spine and can also affect other joints
Symptoms of arthritis often clear up on their own within a few weeks or months, but treatment can help manage pain and stiffness more effectively
. Treatment options may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and, in some cases, joint replacement surgery
. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and limiting foods that contribute to inflammation can help prevent joint problems
