Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation) is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people older than fifty-five years.

There are different forms of arthritis.

The most common form is osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). ‘Wear and tear’ changes of the hips, knees, hands and wrists are fairly common place. Conservative physiotherapy treatment can be very effective in reducing pain and increasing your daily activity. This is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age.

Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory condition of the spine which often presents itself in the early twenties. People experience stiffness as well as pain.

Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis and autoimmune diseases Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gout is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation.