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Arthritis

Health Conditions

Arthritic hand

Arthritis and joint pain are debilitating conditions. Hands, knees or shoulders get sore and are hard to move and may become swollen. This is caused by inflammation of the tissue lining the joints – places where two bones meet. Over time, in some types of arthritis, the joints involved can become severely damaged.

Facts & Overview Symptoms Diagnosis & Treatment Risk Factors Caregiver Guidance

Number of people affected:
More than 40 million people in the United States. Osteoarthritis is the most common form, affecting more than 20 million people.

Who gets it:
Half of all people age 65 and older. Older people most often have 3 forms: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Symptoms:
Pain and stiffness in joints

Treatments:
Acetaminophen and pain relievers, COX-2 inhibitors, Corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and topical creams

Doctors to see:
Rheumatologist

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Arthritis may be caused by inflammation, of the tissue lining the joints. Joints are places where two bones meet, such as the elbow or knee. Over time, in some types of arthritis but not in all, the joints involved can become severely damaged.

There are several types of arthritis. The three most common ones are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This condition usually comes with age and most often affects the fingers, knees, and hips.

Rheumatoid arthritis happens when the body’s own defense system doesn’t work properly. It affects joints and bones (often of the hands and feet), and may also affect internal organs and systems.

Gout is caused by crystals that build up in the joints. It usually affects the big toe, but many other joints may be affected.

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