About Arthritis
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, a disease that affects people of all ages, from babies to older people. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a disease of the elderly; in fact, more than three in five people diagnosed with arthritis are under the age of 65. The disease affects people of all races and both genders, though some people—like women and Aboriginal Canadians—are more likely to get arthritis than others.
The more than 100 types of arthritis fall into two major groups:
As well, because excellent treatments do exist for many forms of arthritis, JointHealth™ has compiled an easy to read overview of treatments.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, a disease that affects people of all ages, from babies to older people. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a disease of the elderly; in fact, more than three in five people diagnosed with arthritis are under the age of 65. The disease affects people of all races and both genders, though some people—like women and Aboriginal Canadians—are more likely to get arthritis than others.
The more than 100 types of arthritis fall into two major groups:
- Osteoarthritis - Caused by a breakdown of cartilage in joints causing bones to rub together resulting in pain, stiffness and eventual loss of use. There are some forms of osteoarthritis that appear to be genetically driven, and others that are a result of injury, overuse or advanced age.
- Inflammatory arthritis - is a general term used to describe autoimmune forms of the disease. In inflammatory arthritis, the body's own immune system attacks healthy joints and tissues, causing inflammation and joint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. Other forms include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus and many others.
As well, because excellent treatments do exist for many forms of arthritis, JointHealth™ has compiled an easy to read overview of treatments.
Arthritis Consumer Experts
ACE thanks Arthritis Research Canada (ARC) for its scientific review of ACE and JointHealth™ information and education programs.