Discovery Health :: Arthritis

Arthritis

	Arthritis Article Index Arthritis refers to many diseases that affect the joints and the muscles, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments that surround them. When a joint is inflamed, it may become red, swollen, and tender to the touch. The area may also feel warm. Arthritis has been documented in fossilized skeletons as old as 2.5 million years. The first written reference to a joint ailment was made some 2,400 years ago. Since that time, our understanding of arthritis has grown tremendously. Significant advances in understanding the disease process continue to be made. One of the most important things researchers have discovered is that in many cases, you may have more control over reducing the symptoms of your arthritis than you may think. Unfortunately, the Arthritis Foundation reports that the majority of Americans are convinced that there is nothing that can be done about arthritis. Consequently, as many as 40% of people who say they have chronic joint symptoms have not received a doctor's diagnosis. The focus of the Arthritis Center and most of the articles below are about osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, which affects millions of people. See What Are the Different Types of Arthritis? for an overview of other types. If you have any type of arthritis, you have an important role in managing it. Successful treatment depends, in part, on how you approach your condition and the steps you take to overcome the challenges it presents. A Quick Overview What is Happening to Me? What Causes It? Am I At Risk? What Are the Common Symptoms? What Are the Different Types of Arthritis? How Can I Be Sure I Have It? How Is Osteoarthritis Treated? How Much Will Treatment Help Me? What Are My Treatment Options? What Kind of Healthcare Professionals Do I Need? What Do I Need to Know About Medication? What Do I Need to Know About Alternative and Complementary Therapies? How Long Will I Need Treatment? What Do I Need to Do? What Can I Do to Prevent Symptoms? Can Changing My Lifestyle Help Me? What Do I Need to Keep Track Of? What Should I Do When Symptoms Get Worse? How Can I Make It Easier to Stick With My Treatment? A Quick Overview What is Happening to Me When I Have Arthritis? What Does Arthritis Feel Like? Should I See a Doctor About Arthritis? How Common Is Arthritis? What Causes Osteoarthritis? The Normal Joint What Happens in Osteoarthritis? What Causes Arthritis Symptoms? Conditions That Can Cause Secondary Osteoarthritis Am I at Risk for Osteoarthritis? How Does Age Affect My Risk for Osteoarthritis? How Do Race and Gender Affect My Risk for Osteoarthritis? How Does My Family History Affect My Risk for Osteoarthritis? How Does Stress on My Joints Affect My Risk for Osteoarthritis? How Does Muscle Weakness Affect My Risk for Osteoarthritis? How Does Weight Affect My Risk for Osteoarthritis? What Are the Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis? When Do Arthritis Symptoms Occur? Arthritis In the Fingers Arthritis In the Knee Arthritis In the Hip Arthritis In the Spine Arthritis In the Feet What Are the Different Types of Arthritis? How Can I Be Sure I Have Osteoarthritis? What Should I Tell the Doctor About My Arthritis Symptoms? How to Describe Your Pain What Other Arthritis Symptoms Are Worth Noting? What Should I Tell the Doctor About Arthritis and My Medical History? What Should I Tell the Doctor About Arthritis and My Family's Medical History? What Is My Doctor Looking for With a Physical Exam? What Arthritis Tests Might I Need? When Do I Need Further Arthritis Tests? Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, or ESR Rheumatoid Factor, or RF Synovial Fluid Analysis How Is Osteoarthritis Treated? How Much Will Arthritis Treatment Help Me? What Options Do I Have for Arthritis Treatment and How Do I Choose? Are Arthritis Medications for Me? Is Surgery for Me? Do Alternative or Complementary Therapies Work for Osteoarthritis? What Kind of Healthcare Professionals Do I Need for Arthritis? What Do I Need to Know About Arthritis Medication? What Do I Do to Use Arthritis Medications Safely? How Do Pain Medications Work? What Side Effects of Arthritis Medication Should I Watch For? What Is the Specific Type of Arthritis Medication I'm Taking? The Types of Osteoarthritis Medications Nonnarcotic Analgesics Nonnarcotic Analgesic Combinations Narcotic Analgesic Combinations Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, called NSAIDs COX-2 Inhibitors Injectable Corticosteroids Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Derivative Supplementation Topical Analgesics Neutraceuticals What Do I Need to Know About Alternative and Complementary Arthritis Therapies? What Is Acupuncture? What Is Massage? What Is Biofeedback? What Is Meditation? What Is Hypnosis? What Is Visualization? What Is Yoga? What Is Tai Chi? What Is Qi Gong? What Is Herbalism? How Long Will I Need Arthritis Treatment? What Do I Need to Do If I Have Arthritis? What Can I Do to Prevent Arthrtis Symptoms? What Can I Do to Ease Arthritis Symptoms? What Else Can I Do About Arthritis Symptoms? Can Changing My Lifestyle Help My Arthritis? Will Exercise Help My Osteoarthritis? How Much Should I Exercise to Help My Osteoarthritis? Will Changing What I Eat Affect My Arthritis? How to Eat Healthfully How Does Sleep Affect Osteoarthritis? How to Improve Your Sleep Does Stress Affect My Arthritis? How Will Changing My Home Life Help My Arthritis? Tips for Bathing, Brushing, and More When You Have Arthritis Tips for Dressing When You Have Arthritis Tips for Cleaning When You Have Arthritis Tips for Cooking When You Have Arthritis Will Changing My Social Life Help My Arthritis? Will Changing My Work Life Help My Arthritis? What Do I Need to Keep Track of to Manage Arthritis? Should I Track My Arthritis Symptoms? What Should I Tell My Doctor About My Arthritis Records? What Should I Do When Arthritis Symptoms of Get Worse? How Can I Make It Easier to Stick With My Arthritis Treatment? What Strategies Can I Use for Arthritis? How Can I Cope With Arthritis Medication Side Effects? How Can I Get the Support I Need to Manage Arthritis? How Can I Improve Communication About Arthritis With My Family and Friends?

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