5.7: ARTHRITIS AND JOINT PROBLEMS

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursae or synovial membrane (e.g., "water on the knee") often caused by falling on the joint.

Sprain

Occurs when ligaments or tendons reinforcing a joint are damaged by excessive stretching or are torn away from the bone. They heal slowly due to poor blood supply.

Arthritis

A general term describing over 100 inflammatory or degenerative diseases that damage joints.

Osteoarthritis (OA

The most common form; a degenerative "wear-and-tear" arthritis typically affecting the aged. It involves the softening and breakdown of articular cartilages. Exposed bone thickens and forms bone spurs, which restrict movement and may cause a crunching noise called crepitus.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder. The body's immune system attacks its own tissues. It begins with inflammation of the synovial membrane, which thickens into a pannus that erodes cartilage. It can lead to ankylosis, where bone ends fuse together

Gouty Arthritis (Gout)

A disease where uric acid accumulates in the blood and is deposited as needle-shaped crystals in joint soft tissues. It is agonizingly painful and typically affects a single joint, often the great toe.