Arthritis isn’t just 1 disease; it’s a complex disorder that comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis (’arth’ meaning joint, ‘itis’ meaning inflammation) isn’t a one-note story or even a few variations on a single theme; it actually consists of more than 100 different conditions.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an illness that can cause pain and swelling in your joints. Joints are places where two bones meet, such as your elbow or knee. Some kinds of arthritis can cause problems in other organs, such as your eyes, or in your chest. It can affect your skin, too.