Arthritis itself isn't hard in the sense of physical hardness, but it can cause hardship and involves the breakdown of hard tissues like cartilage.
Here's a breakdown:
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Arthritis is a condition affecting the joints. The term "arthritis" refers to joint pain and stiffness, often worsening with age. It encompasses many different types of arthritis.
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Cartilage is affected. Osteoarthritis, one of the most common types, involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint. This tissue allows for smooth movement in the joints.
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The impact of cartilage breakdown. When cartilage breaks down, the bones can rub together directly. This friction can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement.
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Hardship from Arthritis. The pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility caused by arthritis can lead to significant hardship in daily life. Tasks that were once easy may become difficult or impossible.
In summary, while arthritis doesn't inherently possess physical hardness, the condition involves the deterioration of hard tissue (cartilage), and the symptoms it causes can undoubtedly create a hard life for those affected.