Osteoarthritis (Arthritis)
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) is joint pain or joint disease that causes inflammation (pain and swelling). There are many types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, usually just called “arthritis,” is much more common than rheumatoid arthritis. Wear-and-tear on the cartilage causes arthritis. Cartilage is the flexible tissue that coats the ends of bones (joints). If enough cartilage wears away, one bone rubs against another.
What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
Symptoms of arthritis range from mild to severe and may come and go. The most common arthritis symptoms are:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
These symptoms usually get worse as you age.
Other common symptoms are:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Less range of motion