Which condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints?

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints due to an autoimmune process where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own joint tissues. This leads to persistent swelling, pain, and potential joint damage, affecting mobility and function over time. The inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis is systemic, meaning it can also impact other parts of the body beyond the joints, distinguishing it from other types of arthritis.

In contrast, osteoarthritis primarily involves the wear and tear of cartilage and tends to be a degenerative condition rather than an inflammatory one. Gout is caused by crystal deposits in the joints, leading to acute flare-ups of pain and inflammation but is not a chronic inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis. Bursitis, while involving inflammation, pertains to the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) and does not specifically denote joint inflammation like that seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, the nature of chronic joint inflammation is particularly indicative of rheumatoid arthritis.