Arthritis is a general term meaning joint inflammation.
However, arthritis is not limited to disorders involving the joints. Each form of arthritis requires its own specific treatment. Therefore it is very important to know the type of arthritis you have. Since great advances have been made over recent years in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, it is no longer inevitable that a diagnosis indicates a lifetime of pain and misery with little relief. If you suspect you have arthritis, you should consult your physician or a rheumatologist, an arthritis specialist.