Arthritis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the United States and the leading cause of disability, affecting about 43 million adults. The most common form is osteoarthri- tis (OA), which affects about 21 million mostly older people in the United States.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by degeneration of joint cartilage, which causes pain and restriction of movement. It typically develops gradually and usually begins after the age of 40.
Other forms of arthritis can appear at any age including the autoimmune disorder rheumatoid arthritis, the metabolic disorder gout, and septic arthritis. Almost any joint may be affected, although the knees, hips, spinal, hand, and finger joints are most commonly affected.
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