Arthritis is inflammation of the joint. It is painful and restricts movement. It affects up to 22% of US adults according to report of October 2010 by the Center for Disease Control.

There are over 200 forms of arthritis, but the two main kinds are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common. It generally affects people over 50 and the risk increases with age. It involves the degeneration of the cartilage in joints. This tough by flexible material keeps bones apart. As the cartilage wears away with age, the bone is able to scrape together, causing friction, damage and pain.

Swelling and reduced movement are common and attempts to move the joint tend to make it feel worse as the friction causes more inflammation. As the bone is under pressure, it may thicken and spread, producing boney outcrops. These reduce flexibility further. Some bits of bone may break off causing yet more problems.

At the same time the inflammation will affect the sac of fluid called the bursa which usually secretes some lubrication to keep the joint working well.

This disease affects more women than men and can be exacerbated by weight problems as well as any traumatic injury to the joint concerned. Hands, feet, legs and hips are most commonly affected.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a different disease with similar symptoms. Here the degeneration of the cartilage is caused by attacks from the body’s own autoimmune system, rather than outside factors. This disease usually affects people between 30 and 50. Once again, women outnumber men by a ratio of 3 to 1, probably for hormonal reasons.

Gout, which is traditionally thought to be caused by an excess of fortified wine, usually affects the big toe joint. It is caused by uric acid crystallizing out into the joint fluid. Consulting with an Orthopedic doctor is highly recommended.