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Arthritis

Definition:

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, and limited movement.

See also joint pain .

Alternative Names:

Joint inflammation

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, like when you walk. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.

You may have joint inflammation for a variety of reasons, including:

Often, the inflammation goes away after the injury has healed, the disease is treated, or the infection has been cleared.

With some injuries and diseases, the inflammation does not go away or destruction results in long-term pain and deformity. When this happens, you have chronic arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type and is more likely to occur as you age. You may feel it in any of your joints, but most commonly in your hips, knees or fingers. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include:

Arthritis can occur in men and women of all ages. About 37 million people in America have arthritis of some kind, which is almost 1 out of every 7 people.

Other types or cause of arthritis include:

References:

Krishnan E. Reduction in long-term functional disability in rheumatoid arthritis from 1977 to 1998: a longitudinal study of 3035 patients. Am J Med . 2003; 115(5): 371-376.

Maini SR. Infliximab treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am . 2004; 30(2): 329-347.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1583-1599.

Simon LS, Lipman AG, Jacox AK, etc. Pain in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile chronic arthritis. 2nd ed. Glenview (IL): American Pain Society (APS); 2002.

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