Arthritis is a condition which can affect the musculoskeletal system by breaking down the cartilage. Arthritis is a term that includes a group of disorders that affect joints and muscles. When a joint is inflamed it may be swollen, tender, warm to the touch or red. Surrounding each joint is a protective capsule holding a lubricating fluid to aid in motion. Cartilage, a slippery smooth substance, covers most joints to assure an even, fluid motion of the joint. With joint arthritis, the cartilage may be damaged, narrowed and lost by a degenerative process making movement painful. Arthritis is a chronic disease that can stay for a long time and possibly for the rest of life.

Types:

• Osteoarthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Gout

• Pseudo gout

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• Still's disease

• Ankylosing spondylitis