Introduction
Arthritis in older adults is any of more than 100 different diseases causing pain, stiffness, and in most cases, swelling in the joints. According to the National Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the number one cause of physical disability, affecting nearly 43 million Americans— 16 percent of the population of the United States. Arthritis affects people of both sexes and of all races, socioeconomic levels, and geographic areas. Although most forms of arthritis are more common in adults, about 300,000 children in the United States suffer from some type of arthritis-related disease.
The disease is most prevalent in people aged 55 and older. In OA, the cartilage cushion in the joints breaks down, causing the bones to rub together (Henry, 1998). Pain, stiffness, and sometimes the formation of bone growths, called spurs, result. OA can affect any joint, but it is most common in the hands, feet, spine, and in large, weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees.
The most common form of arthritis in older adults is osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease. OA affects about 28 million Americans, 80 percent of whom are women. Although OA is often attributed to general wear and tear associated with aging, it can also be caused or exacerbated by a number of other problems, including obesity, injury, or repeated joint stress. Many researchers believe that OA is in part hereditary, and may be due to genetic abnormalities in the cells that produce cartilage.
Inflammatory Arthritis in Older Adults
Inflammatory types of arthritis are characterized by their tendency to cause inflammation in joints and tendons. In inflammatory arthritis, the synovial membrane becomes swollen and inflamed, causing pain and stiffness. Chemicals released in the inflamed tissue increase blood flow to the joint, causing it to look red and feel warm to the touch (Henry, 1998).
