What does it mean when you have arthritis? Imagine that the cartilage in your body—that soft yet pliable natural cushioning—begins to break down. Without this natural form of protection, your joints would no longer be protected against the pounding of everyday life. The wear and tear would be too much, and your joints would begin to suffer. You will probably experience some kind of pain, stiffness, swelling, and even loss of mobility. There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Here is a quick overview on the two most common forms of arthritis.

1. Osteoarthritis: This is by far the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops as a result of the continual wear and tear experienced by the cartilage that surrounds our joints. As the cartilage gradually breaks down, the joints are no longer cushioned and protected. They may become stiff, swollen, and painful to the touch. Osteoarthritis usually becomes obvious around middle age. It is a gradual progressive disease, in which symptoms worsen over time. However, osteoarthritis may also be the result of injury. Most patients with osteoarthritis experience the worse symptoms in the areas of the hips, knees, fingers, and the spine. Osteoarthritis is very common. It is estimated that up to 90 per cent of all people over 60 will develop some form of this condition. The symptoms of osteoarthritis can range from very mild to severe. In general, men experience the brunt of their symptoms in the knees and hips while women tend to suffer more in their fingers.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This condition is different from most other types of arthritis conditions in that it is a disease of the autoimmune system. The bodies’ own immune system attacks its own joints and cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the peripheral joints rather than smaller areas of the body like the hands, feet, and arms. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the vital organs in more advanced cases. About 2.5 million people are affected with this form of arthritis. The average age for onset is middle age, usually between 40to 50 years. Women are at a greater risk for developing this form of arthritis.

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Two Common Types of Arthritis