Orthopedics
Arthritis
Arthritis causes pain, stiffness and swelling from the inflammation of a joint or the area around joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Causes joint swelling (inflammatory condition)
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The immune system mistakenly attacks the
tissue that lines and cushions the joints
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Cartilage wears away, and the synovium (the membrane that makes the synovial fluid) becomes swollen.
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Inflammation causes chemicals to be released that damage the cartilage and bone
- Causes pain and swelling
Osteoarthritis
 Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 21 million people in the United States and is characterized by mild to debilitating pain in the hands and joints such as knees, hips, feet and back. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the disease is most prevalent among individuals 45 years of age and older. Women are more prone to the disease.
A degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is one of the oldest and most common forms of arthritis. The disease causes cartilage breakdown found in joints. This breakdown removes the buffer between bones and the resulting bone against bone friction causes pain and eventual loss of movement. Symptoms include joint pain or aching (often after exercise or extended periods of pressure on weight-bearing joints) and limited or eventual loss of range of motion.
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