The Facts
Arthritis is a chronic disorder that affects one in five Americans, two thirds of whom are under 65 years of age. The word "arthritis" is derived from the Greek words arthron, for "joint," and itis, for "inflammation." Today, the term is used for over 100 different varieties of joint problems that have specific symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two most common types of arthritic conditions.
The effects of arthritis are often mild, but in some cases they can be crippling. Rheumatoid arthritis affects between one and two out of every hundred people, with more women than men being affected. Joints and other organs may be affected by this form of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation estimates that almost every person over the age of 60 years probably has osteoarthritis to some degree, but fewer than half have it severe enough to notice any symptoms. Osteoarthritis occurs equally in both sexes but in people under 45 years of age, it is more common in men.