There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis, with many different possible causes. In a 2006 CDC survey of 30,000 U.S. adults, 20% reported having been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. The survey also showed that arthritis was more common in overweight people. Eight percent reported some sort of limitation in movement because of arthritis.

In general, arthritis usually involves pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The following guide is about the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis. People with this type lose cartilage, the tissue that protects the joints.

The steps below will supplement the information from your doctor and help you manage this challenging condition.

I. The Basics

Step 1: What is osteoarthritis?

Step 2: Symptoms

Step 3: Causes

Step 4: How osteoarthritis is diagnosed

II. Treating Osteoarthritis

Step 5: Overview of arthritis treatment

Step 6: Heat and cold therapy

Step 7: Pain medication

Step 8: Other options

Step 9: Unproven remedies

III. Managing Osteoarthritis

Step 10: Weight control and exercise

Step 11: Living with osteoarthritis

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