Arthritis
Arthritis
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Live Your Best Life with Arthritis
 If you have pain, stiffness, or swelling near your joints, consult your doctor. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis, including self-management activities, can help people with arthritis decrease pain, improve function, and stay productive.
What is arthritis?
 The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation. The term arthritis is used to describe more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which surround the joint and other connective tissue. The pattern, severity and location of symptoms can vary depending on the specific form of the disease. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, affecting 1 in 5 adults.
Can I prevent arthritis?
Depending on the form of arthritis, there are steps that can be taken to reduce your risk of arthritis.
- Watch your weight - Maintaining an appropriate body weight has been shown to decrease the risk of developing osteoarthritis and gout.
- Protect your Joints - Protecting your joints from injuries or overuse can reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
- Be Active - If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, research has shown that low impact physical activity decreases pain, improves function, and delays disability.
What should I do if I think I have arthritis?
 If you have pain, stiffness, or swelling in or around one or more of your joints, talk to your doctor. It is important to keep in mind that there are many forms of arthritis, and a specific diagnosis of the type you have may help to direct the proper treatment. Although there is no cure for most types of arthritis, early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis, including self-management activities, can help people with arthritis decrease pain, improve function, stay productive
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