Osteoarthritis in the hips or hands may be caused by heredity. Rheumatoid arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Signs of rheumatoid arthritis include swelling in three or more joints, swelling of the hands or wrists, bumps under the skin and morning stiffness. According the Institute of Aging, the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but scientists believe it may be caused by a breakdown in the immune system. Facts and Figures More than 33 million Americans have some type of arthritis, 27.5 million being over the age of 45.
Arthritis is more common among women than men.
More people in the South have arthritis than any other region. For women 65 to 74 years the incidence is 513.6 per 1,000. For women 75 years and older the incidence is 604.4 per 1,000. Swelling in one or more joints. Early morning stiffness.