Inflammation of one or more joints causing swelling, pain, and stiffness, redness, and heat.  There are over 100 inflammatory or degenerative conditions that vary in cause and severity.  It usually results from a degeneration of the joint lining, an underlying autoimmune disease, an infection, or a metabolic disorder.  Lyme disease, tuberculosis, staphylococcal infection, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, and Rubella can cause arthritis.  Treatments depend on the type of arthritis, and can include medication to relieve pain and inflammation, exercise to reduce stiffness, diet modification, applying heat or cold to reduce inflammation, splints or braces, and surgery.