Arthritis

Arthritis

The term arthritis refers to about 120 different diseases that can affect the joints, muscles and other soft tissues. The three most common forms are osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. When the cartilage – the slick, cushioning surface on the ends of bones – wears away, bone rubs against bone, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Over time, joints can lose strength and pain may become chronic. Risk factors include excess weight, family history, age and previous injury (an anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tear, for example).