Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation) is a group of conditions
that affect the health of the bone joints in the body. One in three adult Americans
suffer from some form of arthritis and the disease affects about twice as many women
as men.
Arthritic diseases include rheumatoid
arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, which are autoimmune diseases; septic
arthritis, caused by joint infection; and the more common osteoarthritis, or
degenerative joint disease. Arthritis can be caused from strains and injuries caused
by repetitive motion, sports, overexertion, and falls. Unlike the autoimmune
diseases, osteoarthritis largely affects older people and results from the
degeneration of joint cartilage. Other forms are discussed below.
Arthritic joints can be sensitive to weather changes. The increased sensitivity is
thought to be caused by the affected joints developing extra nerve endings in an
attempt to protect the joint from further damage.
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