Which statement correctly identifies the most common form of arthritis?

Which statement correctly identifies the most common form of arthritis?

• A. Psoriatic arthritis
• B. Rheumatoid arthritis
• C. Gout
• D. Osteoarthritis

Answer: (D)

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It’s a degenerative condition driven by aging and wear-and-tear, leading to cartilage breakdown in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and hands. Because it affects a broad range of people—especially older adults—it occurs far more often than inflammatory or crystal-induced arthritides, making it the condition you’re most likely to encounter. Symptoms usually include joint pain that worsens with activity and stiffness after rest that improves with movement, with possible bony enlargements in the fingers over time. In contrast, psoriatic arthritis is tied to psoriasis and has a distinct pattern of joint involvement, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with symmetric swelling and prominent morning stiffness, and gout is caused by uric acid crystal deposition and often presents as sudden, intense attacks in a few joints. While each is important, none are as prevalent as osteoarthritis across the general population.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It’s a degenerative condition driven by aging and wear-and-tear, leading to cartilage breakdown in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and hands. Because it affects a broad range of people—especially older adults—it occurs far more often than inflammatory or crystal-induced arthritides, making it the condition you’re most likely to encounter. Symptoms usually include joint pain that worsens with activity and stiffness after rest that improves with movement, with possible bony enlargements in the fingers over time. In contrast, psoriatic arthritis is tied to psoriasis and has a distinct pattern of joint involvement, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with symmetric swelling and prominent morning stiffness, and gout is caused by uric acid crystal deposition and often presents as sudden, intense attacks in a few joints. While each is important, none are as prevalent as osteoarthritis across the general population.