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

Learn More Drug treatment - Cox-2 inhibitors Drug treatment - injectible corticosteroids Drug treatment - injectable hyaluronic acid Gout Rheumatoid arthritis

Helpful Handouts Personal journal

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.