Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 conditions affecting the bony joints of the musculoskeletal system and causing painful inflammation of joints and their internal structures. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis a common form of arthritis which is often seen with increasing age, is caused by breakdown of cartilage (the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of joints).
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues, starting with the lining of the joints.
Arthritis symptoms include:
- Osteoarthritis symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
- Rheumatoid arthritis may begin at a younger age and tends to affect women more frequently. It typically causes painful, warm, swollen joints, and stiffness, often in multiple joints.
While there is no cure for arthritis, treatments are available to help manage the pain and inflammation associated with it.