THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION IN THE PATHOGENESIS AND MANAGEMENT OF ARTHRITIS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Arthritis represents a set of inflammatory disorders causing pain, joint stiffness, and limited mobility, affecting millions globally. This review examines inflammation’s role in the progression and management of common arthritis types—rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and gout. It explores inflammatory mechanisms involving cytokines, chemokines, and immune dysregulation, which lead to joint and systemic damage. Conventional treatments like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and DMARDs are analyzed, noting their benefits and limitations. The review also addresses biological therapies targeting IL-1, TNF-α, and IL-6, alongside growing interest in anti-inflammatory medicinal plants as potential long-term management options. Highlighting research gaps, it calls for optimized, personalized treatment protocols and suggests future directions integrating biologics, plant-based therapies, and early diagnostics. This synthesis enhances understanding of arthritis pathophysiology and highlights avenues for advancing therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.