Which condition is defined as the chronic inflammation of joints and joint surfaces?

Arthritis is the condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints and joint surfaces. This inflammation often leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in the affected joints. Arthritis can take on various forms, including rheumatoid arthritis, which involves an autoimmune response that primarily targets the joints, and osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear on the joints over time.

In contrast, osteoporosis is primarily a condition that affects bone density and strength, making bones more susceptible to fractures, rather than causing inflammation in the joints themselves. Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of a tendon, which connects muscle to bone, and primarily affects soft tissue rather than joint surfaces. Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions joints, but does not encompass the overall inflammation of the joint structures themselves like arthritis does. Thus, arthritis is the most accurate term for the chronic inflammation of joints and joint surfaces.