Arthritis
Arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases
that cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective
tissues throughout the body. It is usually chronic, meaning that it lasts a
lifetime. Specific causes for most forms of arthritis are not yet known. How
the disease progresses also varies depending on the form of arthritis. The two
most prevalent forms of arthritis are:
Osteoarthritis – A degenerative joint disease
in which the cartilage that covers and protects the end of the bones in the
joint deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bone begins to rub
against the bone.
Rheumatoid arthritis – A systemic disease that
affects the entire body. It is characterized by the inflammation of membrane
lining the joints, which causes pain, warmth, redness, and swelling. The
chronic inflammation causes deterioration of the joint, pain, and limited
movement.
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