Arthritis is an inflammation of the tissues of one or more joints, usually with pain, swelling, and redness.  The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Other disease processes and infections which cause arthritis include gout, psoriasis, tuberculosis, rubella, and gonorrhea. 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder in which the cartilage between the joints wears away.  The body attempts to repair this damage by producing bony outgrowths at the margins of affected joints, but these, in fact, cause pain and stiffness.  It is usually age-related and affects the hips, knees, spine and shoulders in particular.  Obesity is an aggravating factor. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive disorder.  It most commonly arises between the ages of 30 and 40, affecting women more often than men.  Its exact causes are not clear, but it is thought that there may be immunological (perhaps triggered by infection) and genetic factors at work.  The synovial membrane lining the joint becomes inflamed, spreading over and eroding the cartilage, causing the characteristic pain and stiffness.  Anemia, joint infections and pericarditis are all complications of rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms

• osteoarthritis – intermittent pain in affected joints, gradually becoming more frequent – progressive movement limitation – audible creaking in affected joints – swelling and redness
• rheumatoid arthritis – morning stiffness, taking up to an hour for the joints to loosen – weakness and inflammation of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles – eventually there may be deformity of joints (typically the fingers/hands), causing pain and debility – eye inflammation – bursitis – general feelings of being unwell include lethargy, appetite and weight loss, muscle pain