ARTHRITIS
What is arthritis?
Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. It causes pain and usually also limits movement of the joints that are affected. There are many kinds of arthritis, but by far the most common type is called osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease).
What causes osteoarthritis?
Unfortunately the exact cause isn't known. It has been recognized however that osteoarthritis seems to run in families, so if your parents had arthritis there’s a greater chance that you may experience problems also. Osteoarthritis seems to be related to the wear and tear put on joints over the years in most people, but this wear and tear alone don't cause osteoarthritis.
What happens when a joint is affected?
Normally, a smooth layer of cartilage acts as a pad between the bones of a joint helping it to move easily and comfortably. In some people however, the cartilage becomes thinner over the years as the joints are used. This is the start of osteoarthritis.......
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