Whats the difference between inflammation in the joint and arthritis?
All joints of the body have a sensitive lining on the inside of the capsule of the joint. This produces fluid which lubricates the joint and nourishes the articular cartilage (gristle). This lining can be injured or irritated by wear particles from the gristle surface. Once inflammed the lining will produce more fluid, the lining will swell itself and the lining releases chemicals into the joint which produce pain.Pain is also caused by the fluid distending the joint. The body produces its own pain killers, steroids and anti-inflammatories to reverse the inflammation. In arthritis the articular cartilage is worn away to expose the underlying bone. Inflammation may still occur as the remains of the articular cartilage are worn off and irritate the lining of the joint. Pain may also arise as the bones on either side of an arthritic joint rub on each other. Not all arthritic joints produce pain and arthritis of some degree in the AC joint is almost universal over the age of 60, so its alm
