Ligaments hold the joint together. When joints become injured or diseased, they swell. Over 100 types of arthritis affect the joints and connective tissues of the body. Inflammation is a normal part of the body's defense system. It is a natural reaction to injury.
Inflammation causes swelling, pain, and redness.
It also decreases motion in the affected area. With arthritis, inflammation becomes part of the problem. It causes tissue damage that the body tries to handle by creating more inflammation. This painful cycle of destruction changes the bones and other joint tissues and limits their function. The cause of arthritis is unknown, although clues are being uncovered.