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The point where the bone meets another bone is called a joint, and most joints allow bones to move, known as articulation. Articulated joints have cartilage, synovial fluid and a joint capsule. Above is my annotated diagram of an elbow, an example of a synovial joint, a type of joint that allows certain movements, but not all movements in the body.
The cartilage is a tough and smooth tissue, which prevents contact between parts of the bone that might cause friction. It also absorbs shocks which might cause fractures.
Synovial fluid fills cavities in the joint and lubricates the joint, helping to prevent friction.
The joint capsule is a tough ligamentous covering, which seals the joint and holds in the synovial fluid, and helps prevent dislocation.
However when a joint swells, the effectiveness of each of these components decreases. A swollen joint could be as a result of degenerative joint disease, or Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. 14% of all adults in the US suffer from this. Obesity and joint injuries from sports are some causations. Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage that covers the joints (where the two bones meet). The body’s immune system breaks down this cartilage as a result of an autoimmune disorder. This increases friction between the two bones, stiffness and shock from movement is not absorbed. This is very painful and the risk of bone damage and fracturing is increased.
A way to reduce the symptoms and risk of getting Osteoarthritis is to exercise, lose weight, take medication and have physical therapy.
The cartilage is a tough and smooth tissue, which prevents contact between parts of the bone that might cause friction. It also absorbs shocks which might cause fractures.
Synovial fluid fills cavities in the joint and lubricates the joint, helping to prevent friction.
The joint capsule is a tough ligamentous covering, which seals the joint and holds in the synovial fluid, and helps prevent dislocation.
However when a joint swells, the effectiveness of each of these components decreases. A swollen joint could be as a result of degenerative joint disease, or Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. 14% of all adults in the US suffer from this. Obesity and joint injuries from sports are some causations. Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage that covers the joints (where the two bones meet). The body’s immune system breaks down this cartilage as a result of an autoimmune disorder. This increases friction between the two bones, stiffness and shock from movement is not absorbed. This is very painful and the risk of bone damage and fracturing is increased.
A way to reduce the symptoms and risk of getting Osteoarthritis is to exercise, lose weight, take medication and have physical therapy.