Pain caused by inflammation of the joint is referred to as arthritis. It can be a result of trauma or even viral or bacterial infection. Arthritis is usually accompanied by symptoms such as muscle weakness and loss of flexibility. This is due to the fact that arthritis can cause the hands and feet to deform.

Among the top forms of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It is also known as Degenerative Joint Disease and is a result of the wearing away of the joint. Osteoarthritis can target the hands, feet, knees and even the hips and is normally a disease found only among older individuals. Factors that affect osteoarthritis include obesity and lack of physical activity.

Not like osteoarthritis, septic arthritis is a result of bacterial, viral or fungal infection. It usually affects a single joint but can also spread to other parts of the body (called seeding arthritis) depending on the kind of bacteria that caused it. Septic arthritis is difficult to diagnose making it a more dreadful condition since it can destroy joints easily when left untreated.

Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout and lupus. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which means it is a result of the immune system attacking the body's tissues. Lupus is a collagen vascular disorder that can be an accompanying symptom of other severe cases of arthritis while gout is a result of crystallization of uric acid in the joint and can also be very damaging.

There are various ways to treat arthritis. While medication can relieve pain and help slow down the effect of arthritis, it should be taken with proper precaution. Only medication with little side-effects as possible should be considered since there are some pills that can make arthritis worse rather than cure them.

Although there is no cure for arthritis, it can nevertheless be prevented. Since arthritis commonly occurs in people who lack exercise, it is safe to say that the best way to prevent it is by living an active lifestyle. Daily physical activity helps strengthen the joints and muscle tissue and therefore can lower a person's risk for arthritis.