Arthritis also affects the friends, family members and loved ones of those who have arthritis. As the number one cause of disability in the United States today, arthritis has an increasing impact on the American population. Arthritis does not just affect the elderly population as many people think.
Arthritis can strike any age group, even children.
More than 60 percent of people who have arthritis are below the age of 65. Through awareness, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, the quality of life for people who have arthritis can be significantly improved. If you suspect you have arthritis, the best type of doctor to see is a rheumatologist. There are many other types of health care workers who may be able to assist you once you have been diagnosed, including orthopedic surgeons, internists, podiatrists, psychiatrists, occupational and physical therapists, and social workers. Although there are more than 100 different forms of arthritis, the most common forms are Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.