Arthritis means, simply, inflammation of the joints. The word rheumatism is even more general & is used to describe aches & pains in joints, bones & muscles. Arthritis is not a diagnosis in itself; it is a general term that acknowledges something is wrong. It often takes time for a doctor to reach a precise diagnosis.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, which affect approximately 1 in 5 people in Ireland. Some forms of arthritis are rare, while others, such as osteoarthritis, are much more common.
It is not generally known that arthritis affects people of all ages, including children. Arthritis is not, therefore, just part of the ageing process. However, some kinds of arthritis tend to affect people in particular age groups, whilst others are more common in women than men.
Most commonly, people with arthritis experience pain & immobility. The causes of arthritis are complex & many are as yet unknown. While there is no cure, there is plenty that can be done to control the disease.
