It can also follow an injury to the joint. Osteoarthritis usually affects older people and is the most common type of arthritis. Morning stiffness lasting longer than an hour is very common. RA affects women more often than men, striking in their thirties and forties. Ankylosing spondylitis generally affects young men between the ages of 15 and 45.
Symptoms are stiff backbone and low back pain.
Signs and Symptoms Symptoms of arthritis depend upon the type of arthritis that is present. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. Exercise is perhaps the most important of these, whether it is some form of stretching, isometrics, or simple endurance exercise. Exercise prevents the muscles from shrinking. Inactivity encourages both loss of muscle tone and bone deterioration.