Arthritis in the elderly.

Joint disorders are common in the elderly population. Commonest conditions are rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis and crystal induced arthritis. Comorbid events in the elderly patients make disease management even more difficult. Some tests are needed to distinguish these conditions from more serious diseases like carcinomatous arthritis or multiple myeloma. Management strategies are usually similar to that of younger onset arthritis with dose adjustment of drugs due to underlying age related hepatic and renal dysfunctions.