Arthritis refers to the more than 100 distinct diseases that cause pain and swelling, and limit movement in joints and connective tissue. Arthritis is the number one cause of severe pain and disability which limits physical activity. In the United States 40 million Americans have arthritis. Three million of these people are severely affected. It is usually chronic, meaning that it lasts a lifetime. The specific causes are not known for most types of the disease. But much is known about the symptoms, and how to treat them.

Physicians diagnose arthritis based upon the pattern of symptoms, medical history, physical exam, X-rays and lab tests. The main symptoms of arthritis are:
* joint pain,
* joint stiffness,
* inability to move the joint freely, and
* joint swelling.

Other symptoms can include fever, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, lower extremity rash, and nodules. The key to effective treatment of symptoms is a personal plan devised by you and your health care provider. Symptom treatment usually includes:
* medicine,
* exercise,
* rest,
* use of heat and cold,
* joint protection techniques, and
* sometimes surgery.

Many things can be done to reduce the impact of arthritis on everyday life. With proper diagnosis and design of a treatment plan, arthritis symptoms can be controlled. To learn more, call the Arthritis Foundation at (800) 283-7800.

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