Our Sponsor Arthritis Arthritic conditions are marked by inflammation of a joint that may cause redness, swelling and pain. Several specific variants of joint inflammation diseases exist which fall under the arthritis category and include both acute and chronic conditions. Some forms of arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which a malfunction in the body's immune system leads to the production of antibodies against joint components causing inflammation. Other arthritic conditions are in response to environmental stimuli such as stress, obesity or infection.
Arthritic conditions share common symptoms but respond differently therapy.
Therefore, it is critical to obtain a proper differential diagnosis and pursue the correct treatment strategy. This is the most common form of arthritis which effects nearly all people by age 75. The condition is characterized by joint pain, stiffness and limitation of movement due to erosive cartilage breakdown. Physical stress may precipitate osteoarthritis, while non-stressful excersice such as swimming and fast paced walking may eliviate symptoms. Onset is often in early middle age with symptoms of fatigue, low grade fever, appetite loss and morning stiffness.