Arthritis and Joints
Arthritis is a condition that affects joints and can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is caused by wear and tear on the joints, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints.
Joints are the places where two bones meet and are held together by ligaments. In a healthy joint, the ends of the bones are covered with a layer of cartilage, which acts as a cushion and provides a smooth surface for the bones to move against each other.
When joints are affected by arthritis, the cartilage begins to wear away, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Eventually, the bones may rub against each other, leading to further damage and pain.
Which Joints Does Arthritis Affect First?
Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but some joints are more commonly affected than others. The joints most commonly affected by arthritis are the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
The knees are a common site of arthritis, as they are weight-bearing joints that are subject to a lot of wear and tear. Osteoarthritis of the knee is very common, especially in older people.
The hips are another common site of arthritis, as they too are weight-bearing joints that are prone to wear and tear. Osteoarthritis of the hip is also very common, and can cause pain and stiffness in the hip and groin area.
The hands are also subject to a lot of wear and tear, and arthritis of the hands is very common. Osteoarthritis of the hands can cause pain and stiffness in the fingers, thumbs, and joints.
The spine is also commonly affected by arthritis. Osteoarthritis of the spine can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, back, and lower back.
In summary, arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but the joints most commonly affected are the knees, hips, hands, and spine.