What is Arthritis?

About Arthritis:

• Arthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. 

• A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. 

• There are more than 100 different types of arthritis.
• Causes:

• Arthritis involves the breakdown of structures of the joint, particularly cartilage. 
• Normal cartilage protects a joint and allows it to move smoothly. 
• Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, such as when you walk. 
• Without the normal amount of cartilage, the bones under the cartilage become damaged and rub together. 
• This causes swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.

• The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.

• Treatment: Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.