Now that I am old, I can no longer do several things without feeling pains afterwards. The most pain I feel is in my joints, which I think is arthritis. But I have to know its forms for better understanding and information.

Of the many types of arthritis, the most common is osteoarthritis. Sometimes called degenerative arthritis, it is caused by regular daily wear and tear. It affects people and they get older, particularly the weight-bearing joints in the hips and knees that take a lot of stresses and strains. The lower back, neck and hands are also commonly affected. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage surfaces get damaged and worn, sometimes to the point where the underlying bone surfaces are already in direct contact with each other.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the problem is inflammation of the synovial membrane. In gout, which is another form of arthritis, the synovial fluid contains tiny crystals of uric acid. These are deposited on the cartilage of the joints, tendons and surrounding tissue, which cause inflammation.