What is the medical term for inflammation of the joints?

The term for inflammation of the joints is arthritis. This term encompasses a wide range of conditions that cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Arthritis can manifest in various forms, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is specifically a degenerative joint disease often associated with aging or wear and tear on the joints, characterized by the breakdown of cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining, leading to inflammation.

Tendinitis refers to inflammation of the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, and is not related to joint inflammation. Therefore, while the other options represent specific types or conditions related to joints and joint health, the term that most broadly and accurately describes inflammation of the joints is arthritis.