Overview
Arthritis is inflammation or wear of the joints causing pain, stiffness and reduced movement. The commonest form, osteoarthritis, comes from age-related wearing of joint cartilage — typically knees in India — while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that inflames many joints symmetrically. The two are treated very differently, so getting the right diagnosis early protects joints from permanent damage.
Symptoms
- Joint pain that worsens with activity (osteoarthritis) or with rest (rheumatoid)
- Morning stiffness — brief in osteoarthritis, lasting over an hour in rheumatoid
- Swelling or warmth around joints
- Grating or cracking sensation in the knees
- Difficulty climbing stairs, squatting or gripping
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if joint pain or stiffness lasts beyond a few weeks, involves swelling, or limits daily activities — early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis prevents joint deformity.
Causes
Osteoarthritis: age, obesity, previous injury and heavy joint use. Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune process, more common in women, often starting between 30 and 50.