Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The protective shock absorbing tissue called cartilage between the bones gradually wears away, and this leads to painful rubbing of bone over bone in the joints.

It often develops in people who are between 40-60 years of age. Osteoarthritis begins slowly with pain, stiffness, swelling and restricted movement in the affected joints. The pain and loss of movement tends to worsen over a time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a more severe condition. The body's immune system attacks and damages the joint, causing pain and swelling. It leads to reduction of movement, and the breakdown of bone and cartilage. Persons of any age can be affected by this disease.

It often starts between 30-50 years of age. Women are three times more likely to be affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis begins gradually, often being felt in small joints, such as fingers or toes, then progress to cause pain, swelling and stiffness of other joints.

Itis important to start treatment early. The medicines prescribed for arthritis help to relieve pain.

Sometimes, surgery (arthroplasty) may be used to treat severe cases of arthritis. Arthroplasty involves replacing a diseased joint or realignment of the joint(osteotomy), it can help restore movement and function to the joint. Physiotherapy is also very useful in maintaining the mobility and strength of joints and muscles respectively.

Medications for arthritis have side effects. In the long term, arthritis can produce worsening pain, loss of mobility, and difficulty in walking or making it not possible. This might result in depression. General effects of rheumatoid arthritis may include: reduced appetite and weight loss, tiredness, muscle pain, inflammation of tendons, sight problems, anaemia, and inflammation of the blood vessels.

Weight control help to ease pressure on joints. It is not true that avoiding exercise will help reduce joint problems in later life. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, will help to prevent osteoarthritis by increasing the strength of the muscles that support your joints.

Practicing physiotherapy, and using a walking stick, can help prevent existing osteoarthritis from becoming worse.