What does it feel like? I understand there are different types; how do they manifest? Can a sufferer know the difference, or is it strictly a medical definition?
I ask because my grandmother was, and my mother is, a sufferer, and lately, my right thumb has been quite painful down at the base, where it joins the hand. I will feel it acutely for a number of days, and then not notice very much, but then it will hurt again a few days later. It is nothing I have been especially worried by, which is why I have yet to chase it up with the GP, but because it hurt today, it got me wondering.
I would describe the pain as being something like having to crack the joint but not being able to, and it spreading from there. If that makes any sense...
Mostly arthritis has a pattern where the joint is stiff in the morning and it eases off with movement.
Two main tyoes with appreciable differences
Osteo or rheumatoid.
Osteo-arthritis also known as 'wear and tear'
Rheumatoid also known as 'inflammatory'
Can only tell you about the second but it ime hurts somewhat like yr description. Felt 'hot' in the joint, deep and horrible pain, joint stiffened sometimes immobile. Worse in mornings. Characterised by periodic flare-ups when pain, swelling and joint-attack is active. Sometimes hurts like been had at with blunt end of hammer. Eased somewhat with contrast (hot/cold/hot/cold etc) baths but ymmv - depends on severity. Can be life-changing, catch it early.
I've worked on projects involving both types, but I'm not an expert. Osteoarthritis can be started from an injury and is sometimes called "wear and tear" on the joints. Often the layer of cartilage is damaged or wears away, leaving bone rubbing against bone.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that can develop to affect the whole body, not just the joints.
I'd recommend looking at the ArthritisResearchUK website which will have reliable info.
Thanks for that, vickeypea. As silly as it might be, I hadn't even thought of ArthritisResearchUK.