The human body has the ability to perform different types of movement, from bending and gliding to rotating and twisting, because of joints. A joint, also called an articulation, is where two or more bones come together. In addition to the bones, joints consist of muscles, tendons and connective tissue such as cartilage. Joints that allow movement also contain synovial fluid, which is secreted by the membrane of the joint. This clear fluid acts like a lubricant, providing nourishment and protection from wear and tear. Many diseases and conditions can damage joints, causing joint pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic progressive disease that affects approximately 1.3 million Americans, according to the Arthritis Foundation. RA is classified as an autoimmune disease because it is thought to be caused by the cells of the immune system mistakenly attacking the healthy cells of the body.
Those with RA have inflammation of the membranes of the joints, known as the synovium, resulting in joint pain and stiffness. Other symptoms include redness and warmth around the joint. Over time, RA causes damage to the joints, leading to intensified pain and a loss of movement.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease of the joints that occurs due to normal wear and tear over time. Also called degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis affects over 27 million Americans, as reported by the Arthritis Foundation. OA causes the cartilage in the joints to break down, which results in the bones rubbing against each other. The most common symptoms of OA are joint pain and stiffness that can lead to a loss of movement over time.
Bursitis
The bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that provide cushion to the bones, muscles and tendons near the joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursae become inflamed. The joints most likely affected by bursitis are those that undergo repetitive motion, such as the shoulders, elbows or hips, according to doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Bursitis causes redness and swelling near the joint that can feel achy, painful and stiff.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through a bite by an infected deer tick. Once infected, the bacteria travel through the bloodstream causing a multisystem inflammatory disease, according to the American Lyme Disease Foundation. Initially, an expanding rash occurs, but if left untreated, the bacteria will infect other parts of the body, including the joints, resulting in joint pain and stiffness as well as chills, fever and fatigue.
