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Hip

Knee

Shoulder

What Is Arthritis

Arthritis comes from the word latin.  Arthros means joint and -itis means inflammation.  Putting that together, arthritis, in its most simply put definition, is inflammation of the joints.
Arthritis can be caused by many different variables such as prior injury, inherited arthritis or even auto-inflammatory diseases. While we have many root causes of arthritis, most arthritis occurs as the cartilage degrades which inflames the knee, which leads to further degradation.

The definition of arthritis is "inflamed joint"

How do you get arthritis?

Arthritis may be hereditary or can be due to bad luck.  Most orthopedists agree that more likely than not, prior injuries from sports and weight are very large contributing factors that can lead to arthritis.  The theory behind arthritis is that something aggravtes the cells lining the joint, call the synovial cells which are on the joint lining- the synovium- of the joint.  While these cells normally produce oil-like fluids to lubricate the joint, when they become disturbed they secrete chemotoxins and chemicals that can lead to cartilage damage. 

Picture depicting loss of cartilage and underlying bone causing pain due to arthritis.

Are there different types of arthritis?

There are many forms of arthritis.  Usually, arthritis is caused by "wear and tear."  Over time, injuries, weight and other forces can take their toll on joints.  However, there are many shapes and forms of arthritis. 
Most arthritis are either idiopathic- meaning we don't know why it occured" or due to genetics and/or medical conditions.  Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.  People who have had prior injuries are at risk for arthritis with post-traumatic arthritis.

A list of disease processes that can cause arthritis