WVDHHR > Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease > Focus Areas > Arthritis

Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. Arthritis is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, but people of all ages (including children) can be affected.

Arthritis includes more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. Other forms of arthritis that occur often are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and gout. Symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.

Basics

Types of Arthritis

Management and Prevention

Management and Prevention

Be physically active. For people with arthritis, physical activities such as walking, bicycling, and swimming can have many benefits. These benefits include less pain and better physical function, mental health, and quality of life. The Walk with Ease Program, the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, and the Senior Services’ EnhanceFitness program are examples of community exercise interventions that have been shown to improve health among participants with arthritis.

Maintain a healthy weight and protect your joints. People can reduce their risk of developing osteoarthritis by controlling their weight and avoiding injuries. Weight loss also can reduce symptoms for people with knee osteoarthritis who are overweight or obese.

Ask a doctor. Recommendations from health care providers are among the most influential factors in convincing people to be physically active and join a self-management program. People with inflammatory arthritis will have a better quality of life if they are diagnosed early and learn how to manage this condition.