Next Section

Arthritis Introduction

Arthritis is a rheumatic disease which causes pain in the joint or the muscle. The word "arthritis" is derived from the roots, arth (joint) and itis (inflammation). The two most prevalent forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease which leads to deterioration of cartilage and formation of bone in the joint, and rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic and systemic inflammatory disease. The Center for Disease Control estimates that arthritis affected 43 million persons in 1998, and that this figure could increase to 60 million by the year 2020.It is the leading cause in disability in people age 65 and over (Fact Sheet).

Next Section

This fact sheet was last updated on 03-01-2007.