What is arthritis?
The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation, but the term has acquired a wider meaning. In public health, arthritis is used as a shorthand term for arthritis and other rheumatic conditions—a label for the more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which surround joints and other connective tissue. The pattern, severity, and location of symptoms can vary depending on the specific form of the disease. Typically, rheumatic conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body. A brief overview of the most common forms of arthritis are discussed in the types section. For a more detailed discussion of each of these conditions follow the links provided for you.
Arthritis encompasses more than 100 disease and conditions that affect joints, the surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues. According to the National Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects nearly one of every six Americans, making it one of the most common diseases in the United States. By the year 2020, an estimated 60 million people will be affected. While all Americans are at risk of arthritis, the prevalence of this disease is higher among women than men. In addition, arthritis is the leading cause of disability, limiting daily activities for more than 7 million citizens. Does being overweight affect arthritis? Being overweight is associated with increased risk of osteoarthritis, and weight loss reduces the risk of knee osteoarthritis. Physical activity helps maintain joint health and may also reduce the risk of other adverse outcomes unrelated to arthritis, such as premature death, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. Studies indicate that an
While often referred to as if it were a single disease, arthritis is actually an umbrella term used for a group of more than 100 medical conditions that collectively affect nearly 46 million adults and 300,000 children in America alone. While the most common form of arthritis – osteoarthritis (OA) – is most prevalent in people over 60, arthritis in its various forms can start as early as infancy. Some forms affect people in their young-adult years as they are beginning careers and families and still others start during the peak career and child-rearing years. The common thread among these 100-plus conditions is that they all affect the musculoskeletal system and specifically the joints – where two or more bones meet. Arthritis-related joint problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another) and surrounding structures. Such damage can lead to joint weakness,
Arthritis means joint inflammation. Symptoms can occur and cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. However, arthritis may not only affect the joints, but can also affect muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Facts about Arthritis According to the National Arthritis Foundation * Arthritis affects nearly 1 in every 6 Americans (over 20 million total), making it the most common disease in the U.S. * By the year 2020, an estimated 60 million people will be affected. * The risk of arthritis is higher among woman, than men. * Arthritis is the leading cause of disability, limiting daily activities for more than 7 million Americans.
