Arthritis is a term used to describe joint pain or joint disease, and there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis involves the wearing away of the cartilage that caps the bones in your joints, while rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. Inflammatory arthritis occurs when the immune system is overactive, attacking the bodys healthy joint tissues. Inflammation is normally an important tool in the immune system, but in rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation and extra fluid in a joint can make moving the joint difficult and painful.
Arthritis can affect people of all ages, races, and sexes, and it is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. Although it is not a disease of aging, some types of arthritis occur in older people more than younger people. If you have swelling or stiffness that you cant explain and that doesnt go away in a few days, or if it becomes painful to touch your joints, you should see a doctor.
