What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation of a joint, characterized
by pain, swelling, stiffness and redness. Arthritis is not a single
disorder but the name of joint disease from a number of causes. Arthritis
may involve one joint or many, and can vary in severity from a mild
ache and stiffness to severe pain and later, joint deformity. There
are many forms of arthritis with osteoarthritis being the most common
and rheumatoid arthritis being the most serious form of arthritis.
Who has arthritis?
Nearly 70 million Americans have arthritis. That is about one in
every three Americans. Almost everyone develops osteoarthritis as
they age. About half of the people with arthritis have this form.
Some people have symptoms in their 50s while others develop symptoms
when they are older.
Joint: A joint is the point where two bones meet. The joint
is composed of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage. Joints,
because of their location and constant use, are prone to stress,
injuries and inflammation.
Joint Capsule: A joint capsule is the fibrous tissue enclosing
a joint.
Cartilage: Cartilage is dense, gristle-like connective tissue
surrounding joints and capable of withstanding considerable tension
and pressure. Cartilage is opaque and has no nerve or blood supply
of its own.
Synovium: Synovium is the thin membrane surrounding a joint.
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