According to The National Arthritis Data Workgroup of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, by the year 2020, about sixty million Americans will have arthritis. Nearly forty million Americans, one in seven, have arthritis now. As the baby boomers age that number will increase dramatically.

In a normal joint, where two bones meet, the ends are coated with fibrous connective tissue (cartiledge) that protects the bone during movement. A capsule, lined with a synovial membrane, seals the joint and produces a fluid that reduces friction. More fibrous material (ligaments) surround and support the joint, connecting the bones and preventing too much movement. Muscles are attached to bone by fibrous cords (tendons) on the sides of each joint.

Inflammation can affect any of these tissues. Arthritis is joint inflammation. Inflammation is a localized, protective response that causes pain and stiffness, particularly after prolonged activity. Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury, it is important in healing and fighting infection. Joint inflammation or damage can be caused either by injury or by the normal wear of aging. In some forms of arthritis, injury is caused by the uncontrolled inflammation of autoimmune diseases. In those cases, the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. In severe cases, all joint tissues, even bone, can be harmed.

The term arthritis covers over one hundred kinds of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases are disorders marked by inflammation or degeneration of connective tissue structures, especially joints and related structures.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It affects more than sixteen million Americans. This degenerative joint disease occurs chiefly in people over sixty-five years old, but may appear in much younger people. Osteoarthritis causes cartiledge degeneration, bone hypertrophy, and changes in the synovial membrane. Any joint can be affected, but feet, knees, hips, and fingers are the most common locations for osteoarthritis to occur. Painful, knobby bone growths in the fingers are also common. The disease can range from mild to quite severe.

The second most common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. It affects 2.5 million Americans. It usually starts between the ages of twenty and fifty, but can start at any age. It most commonly affects the hands, but it can affect any joint in the body. The inflammation begins in the synovial lining and can spread to the entire joint. This type of arthritis is very hard to control and can severely deform joints. Some people become bedridden, others continue to live life fully. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the whole body. It can cause weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and weight loss. Rheumatoid arthritis can be diagnosed by a blood test. Blood tests reveal the presence of an antibody called rheumatoid factor (RF). However, some people with RF never develop rheumatoid arthritis. In about one in six people, the disease becomes severe and can shorten life. It is important to treat rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups quickly to avoid degeneration of the joints involved.

Arthritis treatment has changed greatly over the years. In the past doctors often told arthritis patients to rest and avoid exercise. Rheumatologists now advise rest only when a flare-up (inflammation) occurs. Joints stay healthier with activity. Lack of exercise results in weak muscles, stiff joints, reduced mobility, and loss of vitality. Doctors now advise arthritis patients to do gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises every day for flexibility. Strong muscles better support and protect joints making muscle strength especially important. Muscle stregnthening exercises can help reduce flare-ups. Several studies show that if you improve muscle strength, you decrease pain.

Exercise brings the benefits of both physical and psychological well-being, along with increased mobility. Arthritis patients should consult their healthcare providors before starting an exercise program, and begin gradually. Exercises must be customized to avoiding overstressing affected joints. There's a fine line between doing too much and too little. Professional guidance should be used in determining the best exercise program for each condition.