Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints, the parts of the body where two bones meet.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the main symptoms are pain, stiffness, redness, heat and swelling — which typically worsen with age.
The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the joint lining.
People with arthritis can manage their condition by:
• Being physically active;
• Managing their weight;
• Protecting their joints; and
• Talking to their health care provider if they have symptoms.
If you have arthritis, it is important for a doctor to diagnose the specific type for proper treatment to better reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Current treatments allow most people with arthritis to lead active and productive lives.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has more information.
