
17/07/2025
🔹 1. Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
These may vary depending on the type of arthritis, but common ones include:
General Symptoms:
Joint pain – persistent or intermittent
Swelling in joints
Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
Reduced range of motion
Warmth and redness around the joint
Fatigue or general weakness
Type-Specific Symptoms:
Osteoarthritis: Bone spurs, joint grating sounds, pain worsens with activity.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Symmetrical joint pain, fever, weight loss, fatigue.
Gout: Sudden, severe pain (often in the big toe), redness, and swelling.
Psoriatic arthritis: Scaly skin patches, nail changes, and joint inflammation.
🔹 2. Effects of Arthritis on the Body
If left untreated, arthritis can lead to:
Chronic pain
Joint deformity
Loss of joint function
Decreased mobility
Muscle weakness (due to reduced activity)
Fatigue and sleep disturbances
Emotional stress or depression
Reduced quality of life
🔹 3. Causes of Arthritis
Different types of arthritis have different causes, including:
Osteoarthritis (degenerative):
Wear and tear of joint cartilage due to aging or overuse
Injury to a joint
Obesity (increases pressure on joints)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (autoimmune):
Immune system mistakenly attacks the joints
Genetic predisposition
Environmental triggers (like infections or smoking)
Gout (metabolic):
Build-up of uric acid crystals in the joint
Poor kidney function
High intake of red meat, alcohol, or sugary drinks
Infectious Arthritis:
Caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections entering the joint
Other causes:
Genetics
Autoimmune conditions