Arthritis Diagnosis

Arthritis is the general term given to a number of painful and debilitating conditions affecting the joints and bones. It is actually made up of two Greek words: athro – meaning joints; and itis – meaning inflammation. There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Although arthritis is normally associated with people in the “baby boomer” category and older, it can affect people at any age, even children.

When this happens to children it is called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, although it is much less common than Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Gout is another rheumatic condition frequently associated with arthritis. There are some forms of arthritis are inherited, but most are not. By and far the most prevalent types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Wherever our bones meet anatomically, there is also cartilage, an elastic, protective layer that ensures your joints bend smoothly, effortlessly and painlessly. But cartilage cannot do this tremendous job alone. A thin membrane called the “synovium” provides fluid that lubricates the moving parts of the joint. When the cartilage wears out due to constant inflammation, an overactive immune system, overuse or just repetitive motion over time, the synovium becomes inflamed; the result is generally a case of either More >