What is the most common form of arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, often referred to as "wear-and-tear" arthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones deteriorates over time, leading to pain and stiffness in the affected joints. It typically develops gradually and can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly impacts the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of osteoarthritis, including aging, joint injury, obesity, and genetics. As people age, the risk of developing this form of arthritis significantly increases due to the natural wear and tear on the joints, making it a widespread condition among older adults.

In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints and tends to occur in younger adults, while psoriatic arthritis is associated with the skin condition psoriasis and is also less common. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis resulting from excess uric acid in the blood, affecting a smaller percentage of the population compared to osteoarthritis. Therefore, osteoarthritis holds the position as the leading form of this condition due to its broad impact across various demographics.