Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in older adults. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are things you can do to help prevent it or slow its progression. Avoiding certain risk factors and making healthy lifestyle choices can also help.
There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common type is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones. This breakdown can occur due to aging, injury, or obesity. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints, and gout, which is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.