Arthritis
Arthritis, any of more than 100 different diseases causing pain, stiffness, and in most cases, swelling in the joints.
Joints, found where two bones in the body meet, cushion the bones and prevent them from rubbing against each other during movement. Joints are composed of cartilage—smooth, elastic tissue—surrounded by a casing called the joint capsule. The joint capsule is lined with a synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid, a liquid that fills the joint cavity and further reduces friction between the bones. Although all arthritic conditions involve joint pain, the severity, duration, and effects of this pain vary considerably from one condition to another.
Joints, found where two bones in the body meet, cushion the bones and prevent them from rubbing against each other during movement. Joints are composed of cartilage—smooth, elastic tissue—surrounded by a casing called the joint capsule. The joint capsule is lined with a synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid, a liquid that fills the joint cavity and further reduces friction between the bones. Although all arthritic conditions involve joint pain, the severity, duration, and effects of this pain vary considerably from one condition to another.
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