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The No. 1 Cause of Disability: Arthritis

Think of how many times you've heard people say, as they groaned getting out of a chair, "I guess I'm getting old." But aching bones and joints are often a sign of arthritis.

Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the United States. As of 2006, about 46 million Americans (nearly 1 in 5 adults) had arthritis or chronic joint symptoms.

Unfortunately, many people with arthritis believe that nothing can be done and never see a doctor for their arthritis symptoms. Yet, early treatment for some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), often is critical. Most of the damage to joints can occur within the first two years of onset of RA, experts say.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints. Some forms of arthritis also affect muscles and connective tissue, including the skin and internal organs. There are many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. This condition is usually seen in older adults and most often affects the fingers, knees, and hips. It can also be seen after an injury to a joint, often many years later.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). It is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints (often in the hands and feet). This loss of function is in a symmetrical pattern: If one knee or hand is involved, usually the other one is also. RA can also affect other parts of the body besides the joints. People with the disease may also have fatigue, occasional fever, and a general sense of not feeling well.

Arthritis causes and risk factors

The causes of arthritis vary. Arthritis can be degenerative (such as OA) or inflammatory (such as RA). In OA, the cartilage at the ends of bones starts to deteriorate. Worn cartilage no longer allows bones to slide smoothly past each other, which can cause pain and loss of movement. RA is a disease where the body's own immune system causes inflammation in the joint lining.

Researchers have identified some risk factors for different types of arthritis. RA and arthritis caused by lupus are more common in women, but arthritis caused by ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men. Gout is more common in older men. Some forms of arthritis tend to run in families. Some arthritis can develop from trauma to a joint or through overuse. Studies have also shown that OA can be caused by a genetic defect in components of cartilage called collagen.

See your doctor

Experts say that what's critical in arthritis is an early diagnosis. That way, treatment can begin before too much damage occurs to the joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are long-lasting joint pain, joint stiffness or an inability to move the joint normally, and occasionally swelling. If you have one or more of these symptoms, see your doctor. While arthritis cannot be cured, it can often be treated effectively.