Arthritis affects joints and causes symptoms like pain and stiffness. There are more than 100 types. Treatment is managing your symptoms or joint replacement. Arthritis is a general medical term used to describe a disorder in which the smooth cartilagenous layer that lines a joint is lost, resulting in bone grinding on bone during joint movement. [2] Symptoms generally include joint pain and stiffness. [2] Arthritis causes pain in the joints and the tissues surrounding the joints. The article looks at the symptoms, types, causes, and treatments. Arthritis refers to a range of conditions involving joint inflammation. There are over 100 types, each with different symptoms that can emerge gradually or suddenly. Common arthritis symptoms. Arthritis involves chronic inflammation and stiffness in one or more joints. Learn more about common causes, diagnostic tests, and treatment options. Arthritis is a condition often characterized by inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. It includes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints. Learn about arthritis, one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. Find out about arthritis, including the main types of arthritis, symptoms, treatments, self-care and when to get medical help. Learn about how different types of arthritis affect joints in different ways, along with how to get relief from arthritis pain. Our trained Helpline team is here to help answer your questions about arthritis and how to manage it. They can tell you about open enrollment for insurance, important changes to Medicare drug plans, treatment options, navigating medical systems and more. Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.