Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that develops when the linings of joints degenerate, leading to pain and decreased mobility.
Factors that contribute to the development of OA are aging, injury, and wear-and-tear. This is a gradual disease that most often affects the hips, knees, fingers, spine, and other joints. Pain is the main symptom, which usually worsens with exercise and is relieved by rest. Morning stiffness is also common and diminishes with movement. As OA progresses, joint motion is lost, with tenderness and grating sensations developing. OA of the spine may lead to shooting pains down the arms or legs.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, in which the immune system attacks the joints and sometimes other parts of the body. The cause of RA remains unknown.
The most common symptom of RA is joint pain and morning joint stiffness. Several joints on both sides of the body are usually affected, especially those of the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. Affected joints may feel warm or appear swollen. People with RA may have other symptoms including weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and fever.
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when crystals of uric acid accumulate in a joint, leading to the sudden development of pain and inflammation. People with gout either over-produce uric acid or are less efficient than other people at eliminating it. The joint of the big toe is the most common site to accumulate uric acid crystals, although other joints may be affected.
The pain of gout can arise suddenly and is often very intense. The affected joint is usually red, swollen, and very tender to the touch. A low-grade fever may also be present.
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