Arthritis What is it: Inflammation and Swelling of Joints | Singapore General Hospital
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Arthritis

Arthritis - What it is

Arthritis is often thought of as a disease that affects the elderly. That is perhaps the most commonly held misconception. Here we set the record straight.

arthritis conditions and treatments

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to the inflammation of the joints. A person with arthritis will typically complain of pain and swelling in the joint(s). Both small joints, such as those in the fingers, and large joints, such as the knee and hip, can be affected.

With worsening arthritis, the joints can become stiff or deformed, resulting in decreased mobility and increased disability.

Besides arthritis, there are many causes of pain at or near joints. These musculoskeletal problems are extremely common. Pain at or near the joints can also be due to soft tissue and bony problems such as tendinitis, bursitis, myalgia and fractures.osteoarthritis is more common among the elderly

Types Of Arthritis

Arthritis can be broadly classified into 2 main groups:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease
  • Inflammatory arthropathies - Rheumatoid arthritis, gout or spondyloarthropathies

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. A form of degenerative or ‘ageing’ disease, it is more common among the elderly although young people may also suffer from it, especially if they have had a significant injury to the joint.

Arthritis - How to prevent?

Arthritis - Causes and Risk Factors

Arthritis - Diagnosis

Arthritis - Treatments

Arthritis - Preparing for surgery

Arthritis - Post-surgery care

Arthritis - Other Information

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