Giant cell arteritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the lining of medium and large arteries, most commonly those in the head, especially the temples. It is also known as temporal arteritis. The condition causes narrowing or blockage of affected arteries, reducing blood flow to vital tissues. Giant cell arteritis is a medical emergency because delayed treatment can lead to …

Takayasu’s arteritis is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease that affects large blood vessels, especially the aorta and its major branches. The inflammation causes the vessel walls to thicken, narrow, or become blocked, which can reduce blood flow to vital organs. The condition most commonly affects young women, particularly in early adulthood, but it can occur in people of any age …

Arthritis refers to swelling and tenderness in one or more joints. The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, which often worsen with age. There are many forms of arthritis, but the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when cartilage breaks down over time. Cartilage is the smooth, …

Osteoarthritis is a common, chronic joint disorder characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the ends of bones. As the cartilage wears away, bones may rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, spine, and hands and tends to worsen over time. Symptoms …

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid forms when the body breaks down substances called purines, which are found naturally in the body and in certain foods. When uric acid levels become too high, crystals can accumulate in joints, leading to sudden and severe pain. Gout commonly …

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects children under the age of 16. It is characterized by persistent joint inflammation that lasts for at least six weeks and has no identifiable cause. The condition can involve one or multiple joints and may also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes or internal organs. Juvenile …

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis. It usually affects people who have psoriasis or a biological family history of psoriasis. Arthritis is a common disorder that affects your joints. It causes pain and inflammation in and around your joints. Psoriasis causes inflammation in your skin. Psoriasis rashes are patches of discolored skin covered with scales. These thick, scaly areas are called plaques. …

Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that develops as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body, most commonly the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract. The arthritis itself is not caused by direct infection of the joints but by an abnormal immune response triggered by the initial infection. Reactive arthritis often affects the knees, ankles, and feet …

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and progressive joint damage. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. The condition can affect people of all ages but is most common in middle-aged adults and tends to be …

Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection caused by microorganisms, most commonly bacteria. It leads to inflammation within a joint, resulting in pain, swelling, and reduced movement. The condition can develop rapidly and may cause permanent joint damage if not treated promptly. Septic arthritis can affect people of any age, but it is more common in older adults, young children, …