Lexicon

Arthritis (derived from the Greek “arthron”: joint) includes all inflammatory disorders that affect the joints, either chronic or acute. Pain, swelling, often redness and warmth in the joints, are typical of these disorders.

Arthritis may affect any joint. It usually affects joints that support the weight of the body, such as those at the hips, knees, ankles, feet and spine, which are most vulnerable. Non-weight-bearing joints, such as those in the fingers and thumb, may also be affected.

Arthritis may take several forms, the most common being arthrosis, rheumatoid polyarthritis, infectious arthritis, juvenile arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia and psoriasic rheumatism (one of the symptoms of psoriasis).