Arthritis
Arthritis refers to inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Common types include Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. It can affect people of all ages but is more common in older adults.
⚠️ Seek Medical Care
Contact a doctor immediately if arthritis symptoms include:
- Severe joint pain with sudden swelling.
- Joint redness and warmth.
- High fever with joint pain.
- Loss of ability to move the joint.
📞 Consult a Healthcare Provider
See a doctor if you experience:
- Persistent joint stiffness lasting more than a few weeks.
- Pain that worsens with movement.
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes.
- Swelling in multiple joints.
Common Symptoms & Causes
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Joint pain and stiffness | Osteoarthritis |
| Swollen and tender joints | Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Sudden severe joint pain | Gout |
| Joint stiffness with skin rash | Psoriatic Arthritis |
| Painful joint with fever | Septic Arthritis |
Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis: Caused by gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The immune system attacks joint tissues.
Psoriatic Arthritis: Associated with psoriasis.
Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal deposition.
Septic Arthritis: Infection in the joint.
Diagnostic Procedures
Rheumatoid Factor Test
Detects antibodies associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Uric Acid Test
Helps diagnose gout caused by high uric acid levels.
ESR Test
Measures inflammation in the body.
Synovial Fluid Analysis
Analyzes joint fluid to detect infection or crystals.
