Arthritis is the health focus for July. It is doctor-diagnosed in about 1 out 4 adults, or a count of 58.5 million Americans. It is more common in women (23.5% of the population) than men (18.1%). Those with poorer health and those who are less active are more likely to suffer from arthritis. It becomes more common in older individuals.

There are several forms of arthritis that affect both adults and children. In adults, the two most common are:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) – most common form. Damages the cartilage that lines the joints.
  • Symptoms are joint-related: pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility, swelling, and grinding sensation. Joints are stiffer in the mornings and after inactivity.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – when an individual’s immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining. RA may be associated with other conditions.
  • Symptoms: tenderness, warmth, and swelling of the joints; tiredness, fever, and loss of appetite.
  • Affects the smaller joints like fingers and toes. As it progresses, it may spread to wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders, and hips.

About 300,000 children and adolescents are affected too. Children are more likely to have juvenile idiopathic arthritis (previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). It begins before the 16th birthday and affects genders and races equally. Symptoms may last for 6 weeks or last for years as a chronic form of arthritis.

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) – similar to RA. Immune system attacks the child’s body causing inflammation.
  • Symptoms: affected joints are painful, swollen, warm, stiff, and have a loss of flexibility; inflammation of the eyes, rashes, fever, and growth disturbances.

References
Arthritis Foundation
Mayo Clinic