The smooth surface of cartilage facilitates motion. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage soften, cracks, loses its elasticity, and eventually can wear away, leaving the ends of the bones unprotected. The ends of the bones may form bone spurs, due to the excessive wear. Small pieces of the cartilage or bone may chip off, and cause inflammation in the joint space. Heredity, overuse, and injuries all contribute to osteoarthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis is a systemic disease.
It can affect not only the joints but also the eyes, heart, muscles, nerves, and other organs. People with inflammatory arthritis often feel exhausted and ill, and may have anemia. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. Ankylosing spondylitis is another common type. Both forms of arthritis can be very painful and disabling, but both can be treated by appropriate exercise, physical therapy to learn joint protection, and medications.