Arthritis/osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a general term that simply means a painful
condition of the joints.
There are at least 200 specific forms of the condition. They
range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as
osteoarthritis), to those associated with inflammation resulting from an
overactive immune system, (such as rheumatoid arthritis). The causes of
arthritis vary, depending on the type of arthritis, but they can include injury
and infections or be hereditary.
Symptoms of arthritis include pain and tenderness limiting
functions of joints, and inflammation characterised by joint stiffness,
swelling, redness and warmth.
The treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise
type of arthritis present and range from physical therapy to anti-inflammation
medication and even surgical operations.