What is Arthritis?

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Arthritis comprises over 100 different diseases and conditions that affect joints and surrounding tissue. Common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. While the onset of osteoarthritis symptoms result from the breakdown of cartilage in the joint, other forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are autoimmune disorders that can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms. When one looks at a list of some of the conditions known as arthritis, it becomes clear that the general definition of “joint disease" falls short in painting a clear picture of arthritis. Although the exact causes of most forms of arthritis are unknown, researchers continue to focus on the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that may affect how arthritis begins and the symptoms that arise.