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Arthritis is a blanket term for over 120 diseases affecting the joint.
Most of these diseases are of unrelated causes; but all result in symptoms affecting the joint. Four of the most common forms of arthritis are
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, often described
as "wear and tear" arthritis. This form of arthritis is the result of cartilage damage and degeneration
that can be the result of age, repetitive use, overuse, previous injury, and genetics.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex disease that affects several parts of the body.
In the joint, inflammation occurs in the synovial membrane. Other symptoms are stiffness, ache, and fatigue.
About 75% of rheumatoid arthritis patients are women.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden episodes of severe pain and
swelling that last between five and ten days. These acute episodes generally occur in one joint at a time, with
only specific joints being effected in each patient. There are no
symptoms between episodes, however, left untreated,
gout can cause mild pain and stiffness in joints that have experienced several episodes.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain and aching in several specific parts of
the body. This pain can last anywhere from three months to life. The cause is unknown.
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