What Age does Arthritis Usually Start

You might ask when arthritis usually starts. Some types can happen at any age.

• Osteoarthritis usually starts after you turn 50. About 70% of people over 70 have signs.
• Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins between ages 25 and 45.
  Early symptoms may show up sooner if you have risk factors.

Key Takeaways

• Osteoarthritis usually starts after age 50, but some people feel symptoms before that. Keeping a healthy weight can lower your risk.
• Rheumatoid arthritis often starts between ages 30 and 50. Your family history and gender can affect when it starts and how bad it gets.
• Juvenile arthritis happens in kids under 16. Finding it early and getting treatment helps a lot. Watch for joint pain and swelling.

When Does Arthritis Usually Start

Arthritis can happen at any age. Some types are more common in certain age groups. You might wonder when each type usually starts.

The answer depends on the kind of arthritis and your risk factors. Let’s look at the most common types and when they usually begin.

Osteoarthritis Age

Osteoarthritis is the most common type. Most people get symptoms after age 50. Some people feel joint pain earlier.

• The average age when people find out is about 50.
• Almost half get diagnosed at or before 50.
• About one-third have symptoms before age 45.
• Some people notice symptoms before age 35.

Osteoarthritis affects half of people over 65 worldwide. The risk goes up as you get older, especially after 60. Women get it more than men and often feel more pain and have more trouble moving.

Here’s a table that shows how often arthritis starts at different ages:

Things like being overweight or having a tough job can make osteoarthritis start sooner. Getting older also raises your risk.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Age

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often starts between ages 30 and 50. Some people get symptoms in their 20s or as late as their 60s.

• Young-onset RA usually starts around age 42.
• Elderly-onset RA starts around age 68.
• Most cases happen between ages 30 and 50, with an average age of 55.

RA is more common in women. After age 50, women get it more and feel more pain. If someone in your family has RA, you might get it younger.

Here’s a table showing common ages for different types of arthritis:

Psoriatic Arthritis Age

Psoriatic arthritis usually starts later in life. Most people get it between ages 50 and 59.

• Over half are diagnosed after age 50.
• The risk goes down after age 60.
• The most common time is in your 50s.

If you have psoriasis, you may notice joint pain and swelling. There are no special tests to tell when it will start, but new tools like PRESTO can help guess your risk.

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis usually starts before age 16. It is the most common long-term joint problem in kids.

• Oligoarticular JIA often starts between ages 1 and 3.
• Polyarticular RF-negative JIA starts between ages 1–4 or 6–12.
• RF-positive JIA is more common in teens.
• Enthesitis-related arthritis starts around ages 10–12.

About 220,000 kids and teens in the U.S. have juvenile arthritis. It gets more common as kids get older, from 77 per 100,000 under age 6 to 592 per 100,000 for ages 12–17.

Getting help early for juvenile arthritis can make joints work better and improve life. Medicine and physical therapy can help with pain and tiredness.

Now you know when each type of arthritis usually starts. The risk goes up as you get older, especially after 50. Women get arthritis more often and may have worse symptoms. Family history, how you live, and other things can affect when symptoms show up.

Early Signs and Risk Factors

Early Symptoms by Age

People can notice arthritis symptoms at any age. These symptoms look different for kids, teens, and adults. The table below shows what you might notice first:

If you see swelling or redness that stays, pay attention. Stiffness that does not go away can be an early sign. These signs may mean arthritis is starting.

Risk Factors

Some things can make arthritis start sooner or feel worse. You have a higher chance if you:

• Have family members with arthritis
• Are overweight or obese
• Smoke cigarettes
• Hurt your joints before
• Get some infections

Women get some types more, like knee osteoarthritis. Genes and certain antibodies can also make arthritis start younger.

When to See a Doctor

Go to the doctor if you notice:

• Redness, swelling, or warmth in your joints
• Pain at night or morning stiffness that lasts
• Trouble moving your joints

Doctors look at your symptoms and check your body. Sometimes they use lab tests or X-rays to help. Getting treatment early, in the first three months, can stop joint damage. Early help can make life better.

You have learned when arthritis can start for each type. Look at the table below:

Finding arthritis early helps you control symptoms. It also keeps your joints working well. Research shows getting help fast lets people stay active.

FAQ

What is the most common type of arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type. You usually see it in older adults. It affects your joints and can cause pain and stiffness.

What should you do if you notice joint pain?

You should talk to your doctor. Early help can stop more damage. Your doctor can check your symptoms and suggest the best treatment.

What can make arthritis start earlier?

Family history, being overweight, or past joint injuries can make arthritis start sooner. Smoking and some infections also raise your risk.