What term describes inflammation of a joint that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion?

• A. Arthritis
• B. Tendinitis
• C. Osteoarthritis
• D. Bursitis

Answer: (A)

Inflammation of a joint with pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion describes arthritis. Arthritis is the general term for joint inflammation, which can come from autoimmune processes or degenerative wear-and-tear. The swelling stems from inflammatory changes in the joint capsule and synovium, leading to stiffness and limited movement. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon around a joint, causing tendon pain rather than true joint inflammation. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, causing swelling and pain near a joint but not the joint itself. So the described signs point to arthritis as the correct term.