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Arthritis is a series of conditions that primarily affects joint health. The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The University of Michigan Health says osteoarthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage joint surface wears out, and the condition usually begins in an isolated joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack itself. RA targets the joints, but other parts of the body can be affected as well. The Cleveland Clinic says that osteoarthritis is generally diagnosed in adults older than age 50. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to develop in adults between the ages of 30 and 60.