Do you have pain, inflammation, or stiffness in your joints? Ask yourself the following questions to see if arthritis could be causing your discomfort:
|
Arthritis—a term that means joint inflammation—is the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting about one in every six Americans. If you or a loved one is suffering with arthritis, chances are that it is one of the two most common forms—osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. These forms of arthritis are part of a group of more than 100 diseases, called rheumatic disorders.
Arthritis, regardless of the cause, typically makes your joints painful, stiff, and swollen. Our osteoarthritis animation and rheumatoid arthritis animation can help you understand how these diseases affect your joints. If your joints are painful, stiff, or swollen, see your doctor. If you believe that painful joints are a normal part of getting older, check out our arthritis myths quiz. Only your doctor can diagnose your condition and prescribe treatments to help relieve your symptoms. |
All About Joints |
Treating Arthritis |
We rely on our joints to get us where we want to go, each and every day. A joint is the place where the ends of two or more bones meet. For example, the bone of the lower leg (called the shin, or tibia) and the thighbone (called the femur) meet at the knee joint.6 Understanding the structure and function of a normal joint will help you appreciate the importance of maintaining healthy joints. As you become better informed, you may discover and correct any misconceptionsyou may have about your joints and how to take care of them.
|
Arthritis treatments have come a long way. You no longer need to suffer with the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Many treatment options are available, from over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin, to prescription medicines, such as COX-2 specific inhibitors, to surgery. Diet and exercise are also an important part of your treatment plan. Alternative therapies, such as dietary supplements and acupuncture, are being used more widely.
|