Damage may be caused by any number of conditions, including trauma, infection, neurogenic disturbances, degenerative joint disease, or metabolic disturbances. The cause of the inflammation may also be unknown, in some cases. Symptoms of inflammation include redness and warmth in the area of the injury, swelling, and pain. Arthritis is usually chronic, which means that it rarely changes, or it progresses slowly. Specific causes for most forms of arthritis are not yet known.
Cartilage is made up of cells and fibers and is found mostly in joints.
It is a chronic disease involving the joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip, and spine. It occurs in most people as they age, but may also occur in young people as a result of injury or overuse of joints. The inflammation often affects the joints of the hands and the feet and tends to occur equally on both sides of the body. It can usually be controlled with medication and changes in diet. Although currently there is no known cure for arthritis, most people with arthritis can continue to perform normal activities of daily living.