Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for disease that affects joints causing pain, stiffness, and in most cases, swelling in the joints. The cause of Arthritis is unknown and it is most common among mid-age adults. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is most prevalent in people aged over 50. It cause the cartilage cushion in the joints breaks down, causing the bones to rub together and the joint movement is associated with more friction. The formation of bone growths, called spurs, sometimes results in affected spinal facet joints.
Inflammatory arthritis causes inflammation in joints and tendons. In inflammatory arthritis, the synovial membrane becomes swollen and inflamed, causing pain and stiffness. Chemicals released in the inflamed tissue increase blood flow to the joint, causing it to look red and feel warm to the touch.