What Causes It?
Age-related wear and tear - Joint cartilage naturally deteriorates over time
Autoimmune disorders - The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue
Genetic factors - Family history increases risk for certain types of arthritis
Previous joint injuries - Trauma can lead to arthritis later in life
Infections - Some bacterial or viral infections can trigger arthritis
Metabolic abnormalities - Conditions like gout result from uric acid buildup
Obesity - Excess weight puts additional stress on joints
Occupational hazards - Repetitive joint stress from certain jobs
Signs & Symptoms
Joint pain - Ranging from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain
Stiffness - Especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity
Swelling - Joints may appear puffy or enlarged
Reduced range of motion - Difficulty moving joints through their full range
Redness and warmth - Particularly in inflammatory types of arthritis
Fatigue - Common in systemic forms like rheumatoid arthritis
Joint deformity - In advanced cases, joints may change shape
Grinding or cracking sounds - Crepitus when moving affected joints