Facts about Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself.

Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation.

Inflammation, soft tissue swelling, and the involvement of multiple joints are common signs and symptoms that distinguish rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis from non-inflammatory arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.

The various forms of arthritis together comprise the most common chronic illness in the United States (Shiel 2007).

Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required with forms of arthritis that erode the bone.

Arthritis often is defined as inflammation of a joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse in the morning.

Arthritis, with its diverse causes—such as injury, infection, abnormal metabolism, or hereditary diseases—represents a break in this normal harmony.

The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, occurs following trauma to the joint, an infection of the joint, or simply as a result of aging.

Arthritis (plural, "arthritides") is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body, typically involving inflammation and pain.

Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, lifestyle changes (including exercise and weight control), and medications (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis).

Osteoarthritis is classically worse at night or following rest.

The presence of arthritis accentuates how harmoniously the human body normally functions.

Many sufferers of osteoarthritis have little or no inflammation.