Arthritis is a common condition. Many people think of arthritis as a disease of the elderly, which is wrong. In fact, arthritis can occur in people of any age, and there are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Some arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, is more common in older people, while inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can develop at any age. The most common type of arthritis is degenerative arthritis, or osteoarthritis, which occurs as the joints are used for longer periods of time and as they become damaged and the joint cartilage gradually wears away. The smooth surface of the joint is destroyed, the joint becomes painful, and the range of motion is reduced. This type of arthritis always occurs in the larger weight-bearing joints, such as the hip and knee, and the pain worsens with activity, decreases at rest, and is most severe near the end of the day. Risk factors for this type of arthritis are obesity, history of trauma and genetic factors such as whether your relatives have similar diseases. As the cartilage in the joints wears thin, the arthritis gradually worsens. Medications used to treat arthritis include anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles and improves the function of the joint, and it is important to keep it active. In severe cases, surgery is needed to replace the problematic joint. Inflammatory arthritis can occur at any age, but is usually diagnosed in the 20s and 30s, is more common in women, and is less common than osteoarthritis, a group of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis-like and lupus. Inflammatory arthritis usually involves multiple joints and is mostly due to abnormalities of the immune system. Inflammatory arthritis is usually worse after a period of rest, especially in the morning. Swelling, redness, and fever may appear in the affected joints. Other parts of the body can also be involved, such as the skin and internal organs. Inflammatory arthritis often requires a combination of medications to control the swelling and pain. Often the drugs are those that modulate the immune system, including nonsteroidal and immunosuppressive drugs. The natural course of arthritis often alternates between active and resting phases, and it is important for treatment to strike a balance between the active and resting phases. It is safe to assume that no matter what type of arthritis you have, you will eventually be able to maintain function and pain control if you are treated by an experienced physician and are persistent.