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Arthritis
Causes
As you get older your joints naturally degenerate. The two main types of arthritis damage joints in different ways.
- Osteoarthritis: In osteoarthritis, wear and tear damage to cartilage can result in bone grinding on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement.
This wear and tear can occur over many years or it can be hastened by a joint injury or infection.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks joints and inflames the synovium, the thin membrane lining the joint that secretes fluid to lubricate the joint.
This causes swelling, redness and pain. The disease can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.
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