What causes arthritis?

[Gophernut]

Originally Posted by D. Generate

Actually it is an auto-immune disorder where the body's immune system turns on itself and creates painful, and ultimately debilitating, inflammation.

Although with treatment, if caught early, there is a pretty good chance of being able to live with it with out becoming debilitating. My wife was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis 2 years ago, and the Dr seems to think she should be able to live a long normal life. (knock on wood)