What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints (the parts where bones meet and move). It can affect any joint in your body. There are many types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases, including osteoarthrtitis, rheumatoid arthrtitis, and fibromyalgia. If your symptoms are mild, medications may be enough to reduce pain and swelling. For more severe arthritis, surgery may be needed to improve the condition of the joint.

What Causes Arthritis?

Cartilage is a smooth substance that protects the ends of your bones. When you have arthritis, this cartilage breaks down and can no longer protect your bones. The bones rub against each other, causing pain and swelling. Over time, bone spurs (small pieces of rough or splintered bone) may develop, and the joint's range of motion becomes limited.

Symptoms

Some of the more common symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint pain and stiffness. Pain and stiffness get worse with long periods of rest or using a joint too long or too hard.

• Joints that have lost normal shape and motion.

• Tender, inflamed joints. They may look red and feel warm.

• Feeling tired all the time.