Joint inflammation occurs when the body’s protective autoimmune system causes damage
to its own tissues.
Arthritis is a general term that describes inflammation in joints. Some types of
arthritis associated with inflammation include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis – the most common form of joint inflammation
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Gouty arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
The symptoms of inflammation include:
- Redness
- Swollen joint
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Loss of joint function
Often, only a few of these symptoms are present. Inflammation may also be associated
with general “flu”-like symptoms including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue/loss of energy
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle stiffness
