Although arthritis becomes more common with age, and develops more often in women than men, the Arthritis Foundation says that about 300,000 American children also have some type of arthritis. The swelling, pain and stiffness that accompany arthritis can lead to movement problems, making it the country’s leading cause of disability. More than 100 types of arthritis exist, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. But rheumatoid arthritis can affect more than joints, causing problems in such organs as the lungs, heart and eyes. Rheumatoid arthritis in particular, like many other autoimmune diseases, is also more common in women.

Source: Washington Post June 23, 2019 11:26 UTC