Which condition is primarily associated with inflammation of the joints?

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily associated with inflammation of the joints due to its nature as an autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, which is the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This leads to significant inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the affected areas, often symmetrically on both sides of the body.

As the condition progresses, it can result in joint damage and deformity. Inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis also has systemic implications, potentially affecting other organs and leading to additional health complications. The distinctive inflammatory process sets rheumatoid arthritis apart from other conditions like osteoporosis, degenerative joint disease, or carcinoma, which do not primarily involve significant joint inflammation as a defining characteristic.