Arthritis is one of the most common medical problems and the No. 1 cause of disability in America. Although arthritis is often referred to as if it was a single disease, it is actually an umbrella term used for a group of more than 100 medical conditions. The common thread among these 100-plus conditions is that they all affect the musculoskeletal system and specifically the joints. Arthritis-related joint problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage and surrounding structures. Such damage can lead to joint weakness, instability and visible deformities that, depending on the location of joint involvement, can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, using a computer keyboard, cutting your food or brushing your teeth.

For many people with arthritis, however, joint involvement is not the only concern. Many forms of arthritis are classified as systemic, meaning they can affect the whole body. In these diseases, arthritis can cause damage to virtually any bodily organ or system, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and skin.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease. It affects nearly 21 million people in the United States. There's no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments today are far ahead of what was available just a few years ago. In addition, how well you live with arthritis often depends on your actions and attitude. If you actively manage your arthritis, you may be able to gain control over your pain.

Arthritis Facts

• In 2005 66 million people (nearly 1 in 3 adults) will be affected by arthritis.
• Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15.
• Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability.
• Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking, dressing and bathing for more than 7 million Americans.
• Arthritis results in 39 million physician visits and more than a half million hospitalizations.
• Costs to the U.S. economy totals more than $86.2 billion annually.
• Arthritis affects people in all age groups including nearly 300,000 children.

Sources: Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.com; Arthritis Foundation www.arthritis.org