Final answer:
Joint issues such as stiffness and pain commonly arise from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, both of which involve inflammation of the synovial membrane and the breakdown of articular cartilage. While there is no cure for these conditions, treatments exist to alleviate symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inflammation of Synovial Membranes and Joint Damage
In cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the inflammation of the synovial membrane leads to significant joint issues. As the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, this can result in the breakdown of articular cartilage, causing the bones to rub against each other, which leads to pain and stiffness. Over time, this inflammatory disease can severely damage or destroy the cartilage, causing joint deformation, loss of movement, and severe disability. The most common affected areas are hands, feet, and the cervical spine.
Another common type of arthritis resulting from joint wear and tear is osteoarthritis. This condition typically develops due to aging and repetitive stress on joints, leading to the erosion of articular cartilage and inflammation, characterized by joint stiffness and pain. Treatments for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis focus on alleviating symptoms but cannot completely cure these conditions. Exercise, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, and sometimes surgery are potential treatment options to improve quality of life.