Take the Arthritis Quiz

The three most common kinds of arthritis in older people are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis.

Arthritis can affect any joint in the body.

Symptoms of OA can range from stiffness and mild pain that comes and goes to severe joint pain and even disability. OA usually affects the hands and the large weight-bearing joints of the body - the knees and hips. Early in the disease, pain occurs after activity and rest brings relief; later on, pain occurs with very little movement, even during rest. Scientists think that several factors may cause OA in different joints. OA in the hands or hips may run in families. OA in the knees is linked with being overweight. Injuries or overuse may cause OA in joints such as knees, hips, or hands.

RA, an autoimmune disease, affects women two to three times as often as men. Although RA most commonly begins when a person is in his or her 30s or 40s, the disease can strike at any age. No one knows why RA is more common among women; it is possible that the female hormone estrogen may play a role in disease development.

RA causes damage to cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone. This damage can cause deformity and instability in the joints that leads to decreased range of motion. It also can destroy joints and affect systems throughout the body. Signs of RA often include morning stiffness, swelling in three or more joints, swelling of the same joints on both sides of the body (both hands, for example), and bumps (or nodules) under the skin most commonly found near the elbow.

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and tissues. Acute gout can be extremely painful. Swelling may cause the skin to pull tightly around the joint and make the area red or purple and very tender. In general, gout occurs most often in older men and affects the toes, ankles, elbows, wrists, and hands. Medicines can stop gout attacks, as well as prevent further attacks and damage to the joints.

Exercise, such as a daily walk or swim, helps keep joints moving, reduces pain, and strengthens muscles around the joints. Rest is also important for the joints affected by arthritis. Physical therapists can develop personal programs that balance exercise and rest. Exercise also helps keep weight under control, which reduces stress on the joints.

Swelling in one or more joints is a symptom of arthritis. Other symptoms include morning stiffness lasting a half-hour or longer; joint pain or tenderness that is constant or comes and goes; and redness or warmth in a joint.

There is no cure for OA or RA, although medications and other treatments can ease the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Also, symptoms of arthritis may go away by themselves but then come back weeks, months, or years later.