Arthritis is not a single disease, but an umbrella term that is used to describe more than 100 chronic conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. All of them cause pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints. Often, these symptoms can make the simplest of everyday tasks, from opening a jar to walking up stairs, difficult to accomplish.
The most debilitating form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, it affects about one percent of the United States population, or about 2.1 million Americans. The condition occurs in all races and ethnic groups.
Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in middle age, usually somewhere between the ages of 30 and 50. However, it can also affect people who are over 50. A similar condition, known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, can strike children and teenagers.
No one knows exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but a variety of factors, including genetics and hormones are suspected. The hormone link may explain why women have proven to be at a much higher risk for the disease. Research indicates that between one and three percent of all women may develop rheumatoid arthritis in their lifetime, and women comprise approximately 70 percent of all people with the disease.
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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