Spotlight on Well-Being: Arthritis
Arthritis affects more than 50 million adults, but it doesn't impact everyone the same way. There are more than 100 different types. While these types vary somewhat, every form of arthritis impacts the joints, causing pain and stiffness and making it harder to move around comfortably. The two main types of arthritis — osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining (synovial membrane) becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is by far the most common type of arthritis. It can damage almost any joint but mainly occurs in the hands, spine, hips and knees. OA is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the many tissues of the joint; bones in affected joints become weaker, the connective tissue that holds the joint together deteriorates and inflammation damages the joint lining.
Although the prevalence of OA tends to increase with age, it’s not an inevitable part of growing older. You can help prevent joint problems by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting foods that stoke inflammation like red meat, highly processed foods and sugar, and eating more foods that reduce inflammation.