1. osteoarthritis: degenerative symptoms in the joints, including joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis: in addition to the above symptoms, it is characterised by joint symptoms lasting 6 weeks, or longer. Morning stiffness of at least 30 minutes. More than one joint is affected, especially in the small joints of the fingers, wrists and ankles which are susceptible to involvement. Both sides of the body are prone to symmetrical attacks.
3. Infectious arthritis: Because of the association with infection, the patient presents with inflammatory manifestations such as chills, fever, joint pain and weakness.
4. Gouty arthritis, if sudden, with pain, redness and swelling of the joints and fever in the joints. It usually occurs in one joint at a time, often in the toe joint except for the big toe. Joints usually affected include the little toe joint, the ankle joint and the knee joint. Gout attacks may be cyclical and can last for several days or weeks. There is a prolonged period of remission before the next attack.