There are more than 100 different types of arthritis diseases. Arthritis affects over 40million Americans- more than 15 percent of the population of the United State. (Austin, pg.1). The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation. These joints are usually warm to the touch, swollen, and associated with loss of function. Arthritis does mainly affect the joints and areas around the joint such as the muscles and tendons. Usually causing symptoms such as stiffness, pain, and fatigue.
             If there are more than 100 different types of arthritis diseases you might be wondering, what are the more common types of arthritis? Who is at risk of getting arthritis? What might be some affects on the body from arthritis? What might you do to help your arthritis, or even prevent if possible, from developing arthritis?
             Well, the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis occurs in both men and women and usually develops after age 45 (Your Medical Source, pg.2). Osteoarthritis affects more than 16 million Americans, including over 50 percent of people over the age of 65, have some degree of osteoarthritis. (Your Medical Source, pg.2). Osteoarthritis develops in a joint when cartilage begins to break down. This can happen from prolonged "wear and tear" as people age. It also may be caused by a number of other problems including obesity, or prior injury or damage to the joint from trauma or infection. Some people may develop osteoarthritis due to genetic abnormalities is the cells that produce cartilage. (Austin, pg. 1) Osteoarthritis typically strikes the same areas in most people such as weight bearing joints, like the hips, back, feet, and the knees. The knees are also the most commonly affected joints by this disease. Osteoarthritis might also affect the hands, if the hands are affected, a few finger joints may become arthritic at the
             ...