Over 54 million U.S. adults have arthritis, but, despite its prevalence, there is so much misinformation about the disease. If you’re in need of some clarification, read on for five facts you probably didn’t know about arthritis.
- Arthritis isn’t just one disease. It’s a term used to describe hundreds of joint conditions. There are two main types of arthritis – degenerative arthritis, which describes wear and tear of the joints, and inflammatory arthritis, which describes inflammation around the joints.
- Arthritis affects more than just seniors. In actuality, over two-thirds of those diagnosed with arthritis in the U.S. are under the age of 65.
- Arthritis isn’t limited to one joint. The disease can affect any and all joints in your body, depending on the type.
- Those who are overweight or obese are more at risk for developing arthritis due to increased stress on joints.
- Some injuries may put you at increased risk for developing arthritis. For example, those who have torn their meniscus in the past are nearly five times more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee.
For more information about arthritis symptoms and treatment, check out this article by Healthline.
