A chronic inflammation of the synovial joints is known as?

Chronic inflammation of the synovial joints is specifically characterized by the autoimmune process seen in rheumatoid arthritis. This condition leads to persistent inflammation, which results in pain, swelling, and potential joint damage over time. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint linings, causing inflammation that can affect multiple joints symmetrically.

The condition typically presents with stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity, and can also affect other systems of the body. This distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis from other joint conditions, which may involve pain and degenerative changes but do not have the same level of chronic inflammation originating from the immune response.

In contrast, osteoarthritis typically involves wear and tear on the joints rather than an inflammatory process. Gout is characterized by sudden, acute attacks due to uric acid crystal accumulation, and psoriatic arthritis is associated with psoriasis and can present with joint inflammation but doesn't solely define chronic synovial joint inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis does.