Definition

It is an inflammation or chronic inflammation of the joint. It is characterized by swelling, stiffness, soreness and pain of the affected joint.

Accompanying signs & symptoms

Painful joints. Joint stiffness. Condition may be aggravated by weather or temperature changes. 

Possible Causes

Aging
Joint degeneration
Overuse of the joint
Excessive intake of calcium which results in joint calcification

Physiological Mechanisms

Frequent usage, wear and tear, joint overuse as well as joint calcification, if the body's repair mechanism fails to repair the injury completely. This leads to chronic inflammation with inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandin causing damages to the joint and leads to arthritis.

Treatment Modalities

Acupuncture

Mechanism of action of the herbs used

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine treats the condition by doing the following:
Eliminating harmful inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandin, leukotriene, which cause chronic inflammation
Improve blood circulation 
Reduce local inflammation
Pain relieve
Reduce stiffness and "lock in" sensation
Improve mobility of the joints
Stimulate the release of endorphins
Stimulate self-repairing processes

Health Advice

Reducing the intake of caffeine and cigarette smoking
Eat a balance diet
Establishing a regular eating habit
Encouraging moderate, regular and outdoor exercises

References

Longman concise medical dictionary, 1994

Chinese-English Manual of Common-Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ou Ming, 1995