Inflammation
‘Inflammation’ is a process in the body usually used to fight infection (think of a facial spot) made up of several features which may be all, or partly, present - heat, redness, swelling, pain and loss of function (stiffness).

Many patients are also concerned that they may have “rheumatism” – this is a very old, outdated term, referring to general aches and pains, not necessarily due to arthritis.