Arthritis Law and Legal Definition
Arthritis is joint pain that is caused by inflammation of one or more joints and the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint like a shock absorber and allows for smooth movement. If there is a loss of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Symptoms of arthritis include:
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Warmth around a joint
- Redness of the skin around a joint
- Reduced ability to move the joint
A few arthritis-related disorders can be completely cured with treatment. Most arthritis is chronic and can only be treated with methods to control the pain and minimize joint damage. Chronic arthritis often goes in and out of remission.
