Introduction

 

This section is meant as a general overview of arthritis. For more detailed information, it is highly suggested that you click on one of the specific arthritis types below.

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Other types of arthritis

Forty-six million Americans report that a doctor told them they have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults.

The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation. The term arthritis is used to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which surround the joint and other connective tissue. The pattern, severity and location of symptoms can vary depending on the specific form of the disease. Typically, rheumatic conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body.

Latest Arthritis News
Malaria drugs may help patients with lupus

January 22, 2010 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Drugs used to treat malaria may be useful for patients with lupus, a chronic debilitating "autoimmune" disease, according to according to a new report.

Weak evidence of benefit for scoliosis bracing

January 22, 2010 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The use of braces to correct excessive curvature of the spine (scoliosis) in adolescents is a subject of ongoing debate and a new review of the medical literature does little to resolve the matter.

Electro-acupuncture shows promise for knee arthritis

January 21, 2010 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A modern twist on traditional acupuncture may bring some pain relief to people with knee arthritis, at least in the short term, a small study suggests.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health