Arthritis

Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than a hundred conditions that cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness through degeneration, inflammation or immune-mediated damage.

The two most common forms are osteoarthritis, in which cartilage wears down over time, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joint lining. Others include psoriatic arthritis, gout and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Typical features are pain that worsens with use or after rest, morning stiffness, reduced range of motion, warmth and, in inflammatory types, fatigue and symmetrical joint involvement.

Diagnosis combines a physical examination with X-rays or other imaging and, for inflammatory forms, blood tests for markers such as rheumatoid factor and C-reactive protein. Care depends on the type and may include exercise, weight management, physical therapy, medication and surgery. Cannabidiol has been studied for arthritis-related pain and inflammation, with mixed human results that vary by route of administration and arthritis subtype.