Osteoarthritis: Explained With Pictures

From Carol Eustice, former About.com Guide

Updated November 20, 2011

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is recognized as the most crippling or disabling type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (also referred to as degenerative joint disease or wear-and-tear arthritis) is caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage. Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones that form a joint. Cartilage loss can cause bone to rub on bone in a joint -- a condition that is very painful. Usually osteoarthritis begins in a single joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory type of arthritis. It is also classified as an autoimmune disease (i.e., immune cells attack the body's own healthy tissues). The synovium (lining of the joint) is primarily affected by rheumatoid arthritis, but organs also can be affected. Multiple joints are usually involved with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis versus Rheumatoid Arthritis
• 10 Things You Should Know About Osteoarthritis
• 10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Quiz - Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis?
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Explained With Pictures

Previous

• Osteoarthritis Is Most Common in Adults Over 65
• Cartilage Damage From Knee Osteoarthritis
• Hip Osteoarthritis Caused by Joint Deterioration
• Three Common Sites of Hand Osteoarthritis
• Age Is Major Risk Factor for Neck Osteoarthritis
• What's the Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis?
• Knee Replacement Is Last-Resort Treatment Option
• Hip Replacement Restores Function and Mobility

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