General
Arthritis is a condition describing inflammation of a joint, and applies to over 100 diseases that have been identified to date. Most of these diseases fall into one of two categories: degenerative arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, or inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of most types of arthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint.
Explore the topics below for peer reviewed articles that explain how arthritis causes joint pain as well as the differences between degenerative and inflammatory arthritis.
How to Care for a Swollen Knee
A swollen knee, sometimes called “water on the knee,” is cause for concern. Learn when medical care is necessary, how to treat a knee swelling at home, and how doctors can remove fluid from a knee using processes called joint arthrocentesis and bursal aspiration.
Inflammatory Arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis is a group of conditions characterized by damage to the synovial lining of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of inflammatory arthritis.
Knee Pain and Arthritis
Knee joint pain and discomfort from arthritis can be experienced in different ways: a dull ache, a sharp, stabbing pain, stiffness, warmth, and swelling.
Other Causes of Joint Pain
Structures that affect the joint, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments can cause pain during joint movement. These are not forms of arthritis, but they can lead to degeneration in the joint (osteoarthritis).