Arthritis is inflammation of a joint or joints in the body.
There are two types-osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common and results from joint degeneration and loss of cartilage. It is more common in older people and predominately affects the hands, knees, hips and spine. Osteoarthritis can also result when there are joint abnormalities, trauma or inflammatory conditions of the joints. Rhematoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints, and most likely an autoimmune condition.