At any age, you can develop arthritis. While some forms of arthritis are more common in older adults, it can affect anyone, regardless of age.
Arthritis is an umbrella term for a group of more than 100 medical conditions that affect the joints, bones, muscles, and other connective tissues. Many types of arthritis cause joint swelling and pain, including:
- Osteoarthritis: the most common form of arthritis, which is caused by wear and tear of the joints. It typically affects people over the age of 50.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, causing inflammation and pain. It can affect people of any age, but is more common in women.
- Juvenile arthritis: a form of arthritis that affects children under the age of 16. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease, and can cause inflammation and joint damage.
- Gout: a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. It can affect people of any age, but is more common in men over the age of 40.
- Psoriatic arthritis: a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis. It can affect people of any age, but is more common in adults over the age of 40.
In addition, certain types of arthritis can be caused by infections, such as Lyme disease or gonorrhea. These types of arthritis can affect people of any age.
No matter what age you are, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of arthritis and to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce pain and disability associated with arthritis.