Arthritis

Arthritis, itself a group of more than 100 different diseases, is 1 category of rheumatic diseases. Read on to learn more about these conditions, and the types of healthcare providers who treat them.

Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are common conditions that cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. They affect joints and connective tissues around the body. Millions of people in the U.S. have some form of arthritis.

Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases.

Joints are the areas where 2 or more bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing the bones to move.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a chronic degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of joint cartilage. It can occur in any joint, but it most often affects the hands, knees, hips, or spine.

Taking arthritis medicine is important, but what you do for yourself, including exercising, doing relaxation exercises and managing your emotions and attitudes, is just as crucial to your ability to lead an active, productive life.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow and progressive circulation disorder caused by narrowing, blockage, or spasms in a blood vessel.

Gout is a condition that causes inflamed, painful joints. The symptoms are caused by deposits of urate crystals at the joints.