Inflammation or wear in the joints causing pain and stiffness — ranges from manageable to significantly limiting without care.
Arthritis covers a range of conditions that cause joint inflammation, pain and stiffness — from wear-and-tear osteoarthritis, which becomes more common with age, to inflammatory forms that can affect younger people too. It ranges from a mild nuisance to significantly limiting, depending on which joints are affected and how far it has progressed.
Osteoarthritis develops as joint cartilage gradually wears down over years, with excess weight, previous joint injury and repetitive strain all accelerating the process. Inflammatory forms of arthritis have a different origin, involving the immune system mistakenly attacking joint tissue.
Management focuses on reducing pain and preserving joint function — this can include physical therapy exercises, weight management to reduce joint load, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases joint injections. Catching and treating joint pain early generally leads to better long-term function than waiting until it significantly limits daily activity.
See a doctor if: a joint is hot, very swollen, or pain is stopping daily activities — early treatment protects long-term joint function.
