by Nadine Plotnikoff in : Osteoarthritis Physio Resources
The term arthritis is derived from the words "arth" (joint) and "itis" (inflammation). Arthritis falls into two categories of osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and gout.
Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage that covers the ends of the 2 bones of the joints starts to become imperfect. The cartilage can thin and chip away, in some cases, exposing the two ends of the bones to each other. When the cartilage imperfections occur, that joint is no longer benefitting from what the cartilage provides to it when it is healthy. The cartilage is a shock absorber and provides a smooth lubricating surface for the 2 bones to slide on each other.
This process of change in the joint is considered normal, to some extent, in those of us 50 years of age and older and does not mean that we will necessarily have symptoms of osteoarthritis.