Musculoskeletal

Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad term that refers to inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. The most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in the United States.

6

Symptoms

4

Causes

5

Treatments

4

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Arthritis. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

MusculoskeletalPrevalence Available

Need Help?

Our specialists can guide you through symptoms and treatment options.

Book Appointment

24/7 Emergency: +91 1800-MEDICARE

Symptoms

  • Joint pain
  • Swelling in one or more joints
  • Stiffness in the morning or after sitting still
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Redness of the skin around the joint
  • Fatigue

Causes

  • Depends on the type: cartilage breakdown (OA), autoimmune attack (RA), uric acid crystals (gout)
  • Genetic factors
  • Age
  • Previous joint injury

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests (rheumatoid factor, ANA, ESR, CRP)
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • MRI
  • Joint fluid analysis

Treatment

  • Medications (NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologics)
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Assistive devices
  • Surgery (joint replacement)

Risk Factors

  • Age
  • Sex
  • Family history
  • Obesity
  • Previous joint injury
  • Occupation

Prevention

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Protect joints from injury
  • Eat a healthy diet

Prevalence

Over 54 million adults in the United States have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Related Conditions

Musculoskeletal

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. It most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It's also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends.

Musculoskeletal

Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting most people at some point in their lives. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp sensation that leaves a person incapacitated. Pain can be classified as acute (less than 6 weeks), sub-chronic (6–12 weeks), or chronic (more than 12 weeks). Most back pain is mechanical in nature.

Musculoskeletal

Bursitis

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae become inflamed. The most common locations are the shoulder, elbow, and hip. Bursitis often occurs near joints that perform frequent repetitive motion.

Back to All Conditions