Arthritis: What is it?

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. There are over 100 different types, however, the two most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Symptoms typically develop over time, but could occasionally appear more suddenly. Arthritis is most often seen in adults over the age of 65. It is more common among women than men, and often seen in people who are overweight.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, a decrease in range of motion, and redness around the joint. With RA, additional symptoms such as loss of appetite, anemia, joint deformities (if left untreated), and fever might be present.

Causes

There are several common causes of arthritis:

• Cartilage is a connective tissue that protects joints by absorbing pressure when we move. A reduction in the normal amount of cartilage can cause some types of arthritis.
• RA is an

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