Final answer:
The statement that swelling in one or more joints is a warning sign of arthritis is True. Arthritis, which includes osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, often results in joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Treatments vary from lifestyle changes and medications to surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Swelling in one or more joints is indeed a warning sign of arthritis. The statement is True. Arthritis encompasses over 100 different forms and often results in joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Two prominent types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Osteoarthritis, commonly associated with aging and wear and tear of the articular cartilage, may lead to joint swelling. This swelling occurs because the body responds to the cartilage wear by producing more synovial fluid, which can accumulate and stretch the joint capsule, resulting in pain and stiffness. With RA, an autoimmune disease, immune cells attack joint tissues, leading to cartilage breakdown, swelling, and pain. Factors such as declining estrogen levels and genetic predispositions can influence the development of RA, and it is commonly diagnosed through symptoms, imaging, and blood tests.
While there is no cure for arthritis, treatments are available to alleviate pain and manage symptoms. These can include lifestyle changes, medication, and in severe cases, surgery such as arthroplasty.