What is arthritis?

The word literally means “joint inflammation” and most people with arthritis experience symptoms like pain, stiffness, and swelling in their joints. There are more than one hundred different types of arthritis but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis can present in large joints such as knees and shoulders, or small joints, such as those found in fingers. Older women who are obese or workers with joint overuse are most susceptible to osteoarthritis, while younger women are at most risk for rheumatoid arthritis. If you notice persistent joint pain, swelling and/or stiffness, you may need an x-ray or other tests to determine whether or not you have arthritis. Watch more video about arthritis or share your story or experience on video with icyou.