What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a term used to describe inflammation or wear of a joint. It is a condition which affects millions of people in Australia and can cause serious disability and interfere with peoples daily lives.

A joint is the connection between the ends of two or more bones where they meet. The ends of the bones are covered with a smooth lining called articular cartilage.This cushions the bones and allows movement with minimal friction.The joint is lined with a fibrous layer called synovium, which produces the joints lubrication fluid.

When injured or diseased, an infalmatory process occurs resulting in swelling, pain stiffness and occasionally deformity in the joint.

Types of Arthritis 

There are many types of arthritis with the two most common types being

1. Osteoarthritis, and

2. Inflammatory Arthritis eg. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

The most common of all arthritis, osteoarthritis results from wear and tear of the joint surface. These changes can be due to the normal ageing process or accelerated as a result of injury or overuse. It is most common in load bearing joints such as the hip and knee. Where the cartilage wears away, bone is exposed and rubs on bone causing pain and disability. It is also common for spurs to form on the edge of the joints. Inflammation associated with these changes can cause pain, swelling and warmth within the joint. If continual load is placed on the affected joint, the joint can deform creating poor alignment and restricted range of movement. Eventually as movement decreases, activities such as walking can become difficult and pain may interrupt sleep patterns

Rheumatiod Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis unlike osteoarthritis is not due to wear and tear but is a generalised inflammatory condition, which can also affect other tissues. In this disease the joint lining invades the articular cartilage of the joint resulting in pain, swelling and deformity. It is not age related and is not caused by repetitive movement of the joints.

Diagnoses

Arthritis is diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms as well as a medical examination. Blood tests are used to determine the type of arthritis, whether degenerative or inflammatory. X-Rays and other radiological procedures such as MRI are also used to assist with diagnoses.