Arthritis is a condition or disease that damages the joints of the body. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Out of these, the most common type is osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease that is the result of age and infection or trauma of the joints. There are other forms of arthritis like psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis. These different forms of arthritis are also caused by different factors. For example, gouty arthritis happens when uric acid crystals are deposited in the joints, which then causes it to inflame, while septic arthritis happens when the joint becomes infected. There is also pseudogout, which happens when calcium phosphate crystals form in the joint.

Although arthritis may come in different form and may be caused by different factors, they all have one thing in common, pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, is associated with pain and stiffness in the mornings. In its early stages, the symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is usually not present after a morning shower. For younger individuals, they will refuse to use the affected limb, while the elderly will use the limb less or just move a lot slower. It is important to take note of things like the time and speed of the onset, the symmetry of the symptoms, the pattern of joint involvement, tenderness, if there is stiffness in the morning, relieving and aggravating factors and other symptoms, to have a proper diagnosis of the type of arthritis. If there is a primary diagnosis of arthritis, the doctor might order for a radiograph to further asses the severity of the disease.

Arthritis is usually treated by physical therapy, orthopedic bracing, lifestyle changes and medication. If the arthritis is causing deformity or erosion, then arthroplasty might be needed. Studies show that physical exercise can help improve affected joints.