| Arthritis is a very common health complaint of older | | | | The symptoms of arthritis as a health issue are pain, |
| Americans, and older people worldwide. | | | | swelling, tenderness, stiffness, redness and warmth in |
| The term Arthritis actually refers to over 100 diseases, | | | | the affected area or joint. |
| but the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. | | | | Age is the most common factor for arthritis. While |
| Nearly one in three of every older adults have some | | | | women get arthritis much more often than men, it is |
| form of arthritis, and for some this is simply a health | | | | older women are more at risk than older men. Women |
| complaint, and more serious health problem than for | | | | have lower bone density and age, as well as |
| others. | | | | menopause decrease bone density even more, placing |
| Arthritis is usually caused by some kind of joint | | | | them at risk for the disease. |
| inflammation. | | | | Also those that are obese and those in certain types |
| While inflammation is a normal and healthy response to | | | | of work that often use repetitive motions or a lot of |
| any kind of injury. Arthritis is inflammation in the joints or | | | | physical activity, especially arthritis in or around their |
| area surrounding the joints, that often comes from | | | | knees. |
| normal, long term, "wear and tear" and is often painful | | | | Whether or not a person gets arthritis as a health |
| and is sometimes stiff and achy. | | | | problem in old age also seems to depend on genetics, |
| As we age, the cartilage that is between the bones to | | | | and lifestyle choices, too. |
| cushion them wears away. This is a normal part of | | | | Arthritis is treated in a variety of ways, and it is best |
| healthy aging, and there isn't a lot that can be done | | | | treatment begins with consulting a doctor when a |
| about it. The bones rub together, and that causes | | | | person suspects they have the health issue of arthritis, |
| inflammation. The most common places for arthritis are | | | | so that more serious arthritis health problems can be |
| the hands, knees, hips and spine. | | | | ruled out. |