| The term arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. Healthy joints are composed of cartilage and lubricating fluid, called synovial fluid, encased in a joint capsule, or synovial membrane. In osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, joint cartilage is destroyed and, in some cases, bony outgrowths known as bone spurs develop. In rheumatoid arthritis, white blood cells in the synovial membrane divide, grow, and multiply, producing inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joint, which may eventually lead to cartilage destruction. |
Hotmail
Messenger
My MSN
MSN Directory
