Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving affected joints. It is not a single disease but a group of more than 100 conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. While arthritis is more common in older adults, it can affect people of all ages, including children.

The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears away, leading to pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation and potentially permanent joint damage if not treated early. Other forms include gout, which results from uric acid crystal buildup in joints, and psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation, which can occur in people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to build up much more quickly than normal, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the skin.

The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type. Osteoarthritis is often associated with ageing, previous joint injuries, repetitive stress on joints, and excess body weight. Autoimmune forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although researchers do not fully understand why they occur. Risk factors for arthritis include increasing age, family history, obesity, smoking, and previous joint injuries.

Common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, reduced flexibility, and difficulty moving affected joints. Some people may also experience fatigue, especially with inflammatory forms of arthritis. Symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on the type of arthritis.

Diagnosis usually involves a medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound scans, or MRI scans.

Early diagnosis is important because prompt treatment can help reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and prevent long-term joint damage.

Although many forms of arthritis cannot be cured, treatment can help people manage symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. Treatment options may include pain-relieving medications, anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy, regular exercise, weight management, and in severe cases, surgery such as joint replacement. People with inflammatory arthritis may require specialised medications that help control the immune system and reduce joint damage.

Lifestyle changes also play an important role in managing arthritis. Staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking may help reduce symptoms and support joint health. Because chronic pain can affect emotional well-being, addressing mental health and seeking support when needed is also an important part of arthritis care.

Medical knowledge and treatment recommendations may change over time, so individuals experiencing persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

If you are experiencing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or reduced mobility, don't ignore the symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help protect your joints and improve your quality of life.