There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types cause damage to joints in a variety of ways.
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type of arthritis. It involves the wear-and-tear damage to the cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones where they form a joint. It serves as a cushion at the ends of the bones and allows for nearly friction-less joint motion. However, severe damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement. This wear and tear can happen over a long period of time (several years) or by injury to a joint or infection of a joint.
Osteoarthritis also affects the entire joint. It causes changes in the bones and deterioration of the connective tissues that attach muscle to bone and provide support to that joint. It also causes inflammation of the joint lining.
Rheumatoid arthritis
In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) , the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, which is a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining is known as the synovial membrane, which becomes inflamed and swollen in the process. After a long period of time, RA will eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.
Resource: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772
(Posted by Von Jared Omo)
LIVING WITH ARTHRITIS 