In general terms, arthritis is a gradual breakdown or
deterioration of the joint spaces in your musculoskeletal
system. According to some experts, 8 out of 10 Americans over
the age of 55 suffer from one form of arthritis or another. In
many cases, arthritis can become so painful and debilitating,
simple tasks such as opening a jar or holding a pencil can be
difficult. Arthritis affects everyone in different ways. In
some, joints in the spine, fingers, wrists, shoulders,
knees—even toes—lose their normal shape and large amounts of
fluid and debris fill the joint space. There are many causes of
arthritis. A major cause is simply age. Injury or suppressed or
weakened immune systems are others. Some people have no choiceit
is simply hereditary. In most people, the body responds to the
onset of arthritis by making extra bone. Your body makes this
material in an attempt to shore up the degenerating joint. This
additional material, or overgrowth, is called a bone spur or
osteophyte. Bone spurs are typically found i