12 Nov 2024        11:42:49 am

Science

Arthritis

Tags : Arthritis

Topic: Health

Why in the news?

• World Arthritis Day is observed annually on October 12th to raise awareness about arthritis, a condition affecting millions worldwide. Arthritis primarily affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Source: NDTV

About Arthritis:

• It refers to inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints.
  • A joint is the area where 2 bones meet.
  • There are more than 100 different types of arthritis.
• Causes:
  • Arthritis involves the breakdown of structures of the joint, particularly cartilage.
  • Normal cartilage protects a joint and allows it to move smoothly.
  • Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, such as when you walk.
  • Without the normal amount of cartilage,the bones under the cartilage become damaged and rub together.
  • This causes swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.
• The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Osteoarthritis causes cartilage to break down.
    • Cartilage is the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
• Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

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