Arthritis
Arthritis is a term for a number of conditions which affect the joints of the bones. There are many different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the commonest. RA generally affects adults, but there are other types that affect children and younger people. With osteoarthritis the cartilage gradually wastes away, which results in bones rubbing painfully together. With RA, the immune system attacks the lining of joints which makes them inflamed. Over time, joints can become permanently damaged and stop working properly.
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