Most of the time, people ignore body pains and shrug them off, thinking that the pain is just a product of a hard day's work. But what they do not know is that the pains they dismiss can be a manifestation of arthritis.

Arthritis is one of the most underestimated diseases in the world. People think that arthritis is simply an old man's sickness, nothing more. But arthritis is currently debilitating millions of people, both young and old.

Arthritis, which literally means the inflammation of one or more joints, is the term used to describe a joint disease where the cartilage located at the end of both bones wears out, causing the bones to scratch against each other. The cartilage is responsible for the fluid motion of joints. A frayed cartilage causes friction and results in discomfort and in limited movements which is one of the most common symptoms of arthritis.

Contrary to popular assumption, arthritis is not one kind of disease. It is the umbrella term for over a hundred types of arthritis that have different symptoms and varying severity. The most common symptoms of arthritis are manifested in the body's joints but they are frequently seen in joints in the neck, fingers, knees, hip, back and shoulders. However, the various types of arthritis can also target different parts of the body. Some kinds of this disease even affect body parts that are not directly connected to bones, such as internal organs like the kidneys, the liver, the lungs and the heart. Salivary glands and tear glands can also be affected.

Arthritis can be monarthritis, meaning it affects only one joint, or it can be polyarthritis, meaning it targets multiple joints throughout the body.

Among the common symptoms of arthritis are inflammation, stiffness and redness. The area could also be tender and warm to touch. Muscle ache is also one of the most common symptoms of arthritis.

The evaluation of symptoms is important for the diagnosis of arthritis. Symptoms could point to either inflammatory or non-inflammatory arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis can disrupt the functioning of internal organs and its common symptoms are fatigue, fever, nodules under the skin, inflammation of glands, and multiple joint pain and/or inflammation in both sides of the body.

On the other hand, non-inflammatory kinds of arthritis can be manifested by swelling, joint pains, particularly in humid weather and feeling a sensation of brittle joints. Joint stiffness during long periods of idleness can also be a symptom.

The symptoms can occur suddenly but they can also surface over a longer period of time. But symptoms that recur for a period of over a week can be a sign of bigger problems. Therefore, it is important that medical advice is sought out immediately.

Arthritis can drastically change a person's quality of life. Simple daily activities become hard to perform. Tasks like running, sleeping, walking and even eating can cause great discomfort to someone who is suffering from arthritis. The threat of physical deformity is also present. Swift medical assessment and intervention are vital in relieving the discomfort and pain that arthritis causes.