Arhtritis, a blanket term meaning “inflammation of the joints” affects more than 46 million Americans. Most people though, unless they or their members are affected, are unaware that there are multiple types of arthritis, and there is a vast difference between the two most common types. In degenerative arthritis, the tissue is worn away through overuse, while in rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks bodily tissue it mistakenly identifies as foreign. Degenerative Arthritis In degenerative arthritis, like osteoarthritis, common weight-bearing joints like the knees, feet, hips, and spine are affected adversely through overuse and wear. In most weight-bearing joints, tissue called cartilage works to absorb the shock of movement. Its elasticity and ability to compress allow it easily bend and flex along with bones in typical joint movement. Osteoarthritis occurs more commonly in older individuals, as daily use and overuse of joints causes this layer of cartilage to wear away, leaving the tips of bones exposed. When bones begin to grind against each other, everyday activities become increasingly painful and difficult to carry out. Often, degenerative arthritis sufferers will even hear creaking or grating sounds with the motion of their joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis Whereas degenerative arthritis is caused by normal wear and tear over time, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to mistakenly attack its own tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis affects a disproportionate number of women (as many as 75% of RA sufferers are female), though it is not necessarily a genetic condition. Rheumatoid Arthritis is often caused by environmental factors like infection by viruses or bacteria. Typically, rheumatoid arthritis begins when the immune system begins attacking the body’s synovium. This lining of the membranes surrounding your joints protects them from wear. When the synovium becomes inflamed, it (and consequently its immune attackers) can spread into and destroy the cartilage, causing immense pain as joints come out of alignment. In rheumatoid arthritis, the smallest joints are often affected first. The joints within the fingers and toes, hands, feet, wrist, and ankles are often the first to show symptoms. As the disease progresses, larger joints can be affected as well. Symptoms The most common symptom of both degenerative Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society