What is arthritis?
Arthritis is just a simple term used as the inflammation of the joints. It can definitely affect one joint or more joints. The two most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down. Whereas, Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that first targets the lining of joints (synovium).
Uric acid crystals, infections or underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus, can cause other types of arthritis.
Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
The symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time, but they may also appear suddenly. Arthritis is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65, but it can also develop in children, teens, and younger adults. Arthritis is more common in women than men and in people who are overweight.
What causes arthritis?
The causes of arthritis depend on the form or type of arthritis.