Synovial
Joints and Arthritis
A joint is where two bones meet.
Ligaments and tendons hold joints together. The synovial joint is
where a portion of the bone is coated with articular cartilage and
lubricated with synovial fluid. The soft padding between the bones
referred to as cartilage helps reduce friction. Cartilage is the
key to healthy joints.
Cartilage is composed of the following:
- Collagen
- Proteoglycan
- Chondrocyte
There are three types of joints. These include
freely moveable joints, partially moveable joints, and immovable
joints. Synovial joints (freely moveable joints) make up 90% of
our body. Synovial joints allow a large range of motion, and encompass
wrists, knees, ankles, shoulders, and hips. The inner lining of
synovial joint is called the synovium. The whole joint capsule consists
of a tough outer layer which helps stabilize the joint and an inner
membrane that produces the lubricating synovial fluid. Synovial
joints are further broken into groups according to shape and movement.
This subgroup includes:
- Hinge joints (elbows)
- Ball and Socket joints (hips)
- Condyloid joints (knee)
- Pivot joints (elbow)
- Saddle joints (thumb)
- Gliding joints (fingers, wrist)
All of the above joints are commonly affected
by arthritis. Rheumatoid
arthritis mostly affects the synovial
joints. Elderly suffering from Osteoarthritis
can also experience severe pain and inflammation in the synovial
joints.
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