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[Amenorrhea] [Amnesia] [Arthritis]

ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, which causes pain, swelling, and restricted movement. It is also known as joint pain.

TARGET GROUP:

Arthritis is the most common disease and is more likely to occur in older age. It can occur in men and women of all ages.

TYPE OF DISEASE:

Arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage, which usually protects the joints, helps in its smooth movement, and absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. The different types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. Most types of arthritis are chronic and occur over a long period of time.

SYMPTOMS:

The most common symptoms of arthritis are:

• Pain in the joints
• Joint stiffness, usually in the mornings
• Tenderness in the joints
• Warmth around a joint
• Redness of the skin near the joints
• Inability and discomfort in moving the joints
• Painful to touch

A rheumatologist should be consulted if any of these symptoms persists for more than 2 weeks.

AFFECTED AREA:

Arthritis can attack joints in almost any part of the body including hands, neck, lower back, or the large weight-bearing joints of your body, such as knees and hips.

CAUSES:

There are various factors which cause arthritis such as a viral or bacterial infection, an injury or normal wearing down of joints, autoimmune diseases, broken bone, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis.

Fungal infections such as blastomycosis can also cause arthritis. It can also be caused by hereditary factors.

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