Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term for more than 100 medical conditions that affect the body, most specifically the joints causing pain and inflammation.

Symptoms and characteristics:

Arthritis-related conditions cause symptoms including pain, stiffness, swelling and damage to the joints. This can result in joint weakness and instability that can interfere with tasks such as walking, driving a car, using a pen or independently managing self care activities.

Reference:

Arthritis Australia 2009, 10 steps for living well with Arthritis, Arthritis Australia, New South Wales, viewed 20 March 2009, <http://arthritisaustralia.com.au/media/file/ArthAus10StepsUpdateMar09_1303.pdf>.

Better Health Channel 2009, Arthritis, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 20 march 2009, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Arthritis?open>.

Links to specific types of arthritis: