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Hello Anon
Thank you for writing.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.” It is estimated that one out of every five, or 20 percent, of people living in the United States has experienced symptoms of arthritis in at least one joint, and about half of arthritis sufferers are under the age of 50. Arthritis is a chronic disorder.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The National Institutes of Health define OA is the gradual deterioration of cartilage and overgrowth of bone most commonly due to wear and tear, and RA as the inflammation of a joint’s connective tissues (eg. the synovial membranes) leading to the destruction of the articular cartilage.
Gout, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or Lupus), and psoriatic arthritis are other types of arthritis.
Cartilage is nature’s “shock absorber,” and it provides a smooth gliding surface for the joint. When the cartilage becomes worn or is damaged or lost due to disease or trauma, the joint can no longer move painlessly.
The body attempts to make up for the lost cartilage by producing a fluid in the joint lining (synovium), to act like a cushion, but this fluid also causes swelling in the joint which restricts motion, and stretches the joint covering (capsule) which causes pain.
Anon, organs can be affected by arthritis but arthritis doesn't start in the organs themselves.
March 19, 2018 - 1:10pmCan you explain your question further so we can help you more?
Susan
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