Some of these diseases can also affect other parts of the body, including the skin and internal organs. Arthritis usually causes stiffness, pain and fatigue. The severity varies from person to person, and even from day to day. In some people, only a few joints are affected and the impact may be small. In other people, the entire body system may be affected.
Arthritis is usually chronic.
This means it could last on and off for as long as a lifetime. Nearly 40 million Americans have arthritis. The good news is there are many ways to meet those challenges and lead a fulfilling life in spite of arthritis. This information is for people who have stiffness or pain because of arthritis and related diseases. It describes how to do daily activities in ways that are less stressful to your body.