The commonest form of joint inflammation is rheumatoid arthritis.

Inflammation in a joint presents as pain in the joint with swelling, heat and restricted mobility. In many cases joint effusion develops, i.e. fluid collects in the joint. In rheumatoid arthritis, the pain typically occurs at rest and is relieved by movement. If the inflammation is severe, the joint may be so painful at night that it wakes you up.

Arthritis may occur suddenly (acute) or take a slow (chronic) course and persist for a long time.

A cure for arthritis is only possible in a few cases, for instance if the arthritis is due to an infection. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis – the most widespread form of arthritis, treatment can only relieve the symptoms.

To prevent an acute condition becoming chronic, a doctor should be consulted at the earliest warning signs, e.g. if the joint becomes red, hot, swollen and painful. Particularly with rheumatoid arthritis, a minor twinge can develop into a pain that pervades the very last fibre of the body within just a few days.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The most common form of joint inflammation is rheumatoid arthritis. Here, several joints are inflamed and with time they may become deformed and even completely stiff.

One of the classic signs of rheumatoid arthritis is the symmetrical onset of joint inflammation, i.e. simultaneous involvement of the joints at the base of the finger or toe on both sides. However, rheumatoid arthritis is not just a disease of the joints, but a systemic disease based on a disturbance of the immune system and can act anywhere in the body. For instance, even internal organs or the conjunctiva of the eye can be affected as well as the joints.