|
Arthritis
Arthritis isn't just 1 disease; it's a general term used for a group of more than 100 medical conditions that can affect people of all ages. The term Arthritis basically means inflammation in joints. The most common forms are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the United States. It most commonly affects the
joints of the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Osteoarthritis (OA) starts with the breakdown of joint cartilage,
resulting in pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease. OA can also be caused by injury or overuse
of joints. Jobs or sports that require repetitive movement of a specific joint can lead to Osteoarthritis in that joint.
More about Osteoarthritis (OA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of chronic arthritis that typically occurs in joints on both sides of the body (such as hands, wrists or knees).
This distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis.
RA can last a long time and can be a disease of flares (active symptoms) and remissions (few to no symptoms).
In addition to affecting the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other parts of the body such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood, or nerves.
This disease is 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men, and generally affects people between the ages of 20 and 50.
More about Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
|
|
