Arthritis

Leonardo Santibanez

Francesca

Milene

Victoria

Claudia C. Monasterio

BSC1085

Proffesor: Carlos Bidott

ARTHRITIS

Leonardo Santibanez

Francesca

Milene

Claudia C. Monasterio

BSC1085

Proffesor: Carlos Bidott

ARTHRITIS

Definition

Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints.

There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection.

The major complaint by individuals who have arthritis is joint pain. Pain is often a constant and may be localized to the joint affected. The pain from arthritis occurs due to inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from disease, daily wear and tear of joint, muscle strains caused by forceful movements against stiff, painful joints and fatigue.

(Information taken from Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthritis)

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects a joint, allowing it to move smoothly. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, such as when you walk. Without the normal amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.

Joint inflammation may result from:

* An autoimmune disease (the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue)

* Broken bone

* General "wear and tear" on joints

* Infection, usually by bacteria or virus

Organs related:

Usually the joint inflammation goes away after the cause goes away or is treated. Sometimes it does not. When this happens, the patient has chronic arthritis. Arthritis may occur in men or women....