Overview of Arthritis

By age 50, almost everyone has occasionally suffered from joint pain and stiffness. But if the symptoms persist, it could mean that you have arthritis.

Anatomy of the Joints

Before you can understand the causes of and treatments for arthritis, it is helpful to know more about your joints.

Overview of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and one of the most common causes of physical disability in adults.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Often called the wear-and-tear disease, osteoarthritis develops in the joints after years of use.

Prevention of Osteoarthritis

Taking a few precautions can reduce your risk of getting osteoarthritis or prevent osteoarthritis from getting worse.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Learn about knobby nodes, buckling knees, and other symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

To make the diagnosis, your doctor will take your medical history, perform a physical examination, and possibly run some other tests.

Type 2 Diabetes and Osteoarthritis

People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have osteoarthritis than the general population.

Joint Pain Differences of Osteoarthritis and
Rheumatoid Arthritis

Learn how to differentiate between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

No available treatment can stop or reverse the progression of osteoarthritis, but you can improve your quality of life with a personalized treatment plan.

Exercise is Essential for Severe Knee Osteoarthritis

Keep your knees moving even if you have bad osteoarthritis.

Getting a Good Night's Sleep with Osteoarthritis

Not enough sleep can make osteoarthritis worse. So if you struggle with insomnia, there are simple measures you can take to help you drift off faster and stay asleep longer.

Arthritis Gloves

Handy advice on if gloves marketed to relieve arthritis pain are right for you.

Eight Effective Exercises for Arthritis of the Hand

Try your hand at exercises—eight to be exact.

Hand-Pumping Exercises for Arthritis Pain

A helpful exercise for arthritis hand pain is squeezing a rubber or soft ball.

Oral Pain Relievers for Osteoarthritis

Pain relievers can make you feel better, but they can’t cure your osteoarthritis.

Opioids for Arthritis Pain Relief

Are these powerful drugs the right choice for you?

Injected Pain Relievers for Osteoarthritis

Injecting pain relievers directly into the joints can offer temporary relief for some.

Topical Analgesics for Osteoarthritis

Here's a roundup of the nonprescription creams, gels, and ointments that can provide some temporary arthritis pain relief.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Surgery for
Osteoarthritis

When all else fails, surgery may be last best option to relieve joint pain.

Types of Surgery for Osteoarthritis

Learn about the many surgeries available to relieve joint pain and improve mobility.

Complications of Joint Replacement Surgery

Learn about the complications after surgery and how a physical therapy program is essential for rehabilitation and recovery.

Evidence Lacking for Using Supplements to Treat
Osteoarthritis

Despite growing research, many arthritis organizations still don’t recommend any nutritional or herbal supplements for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Complementary and Alternative Options for
Treating Osteoarthritis

Here's a brief rundown on nontraditional alternative treatments for osteoarthritis.

Alternative Treatments Not Recommended for
Osteoarthritis

Nontraditional treatments for osteoarthritis can be dangerous. Here's a list of the ones that may be unsafe.

Making Driving with Arthritis Easy and Safe

Are your arthritis symptoms making it difficult to drive? Here are tips on how to buy or modify a car with arthritis-friendly features.

Overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Learn about rheumatoid arthritis and how it affects the joints and body.

Causes and Prevention of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but researchers have identified factors that may increase the risk of getting it.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Morning stiffness and symmetrical joint pain are the most noticeable symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

For rheumatoid arthritis, an early diagnosis is crucial.

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, but certain medications can slow the damage.

Drug Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you will probably need to take medication and pain relievers for the rest of your life.

Biosimilars to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Biosimilars—very similar drugs to already approved ones—can be just as safe and effective for treating arthritis and much cheaper.

Exercise and Rest for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Getting plenty of exercise and rest are crucial for those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Braces, Splints, and Assistive Devices for People
with Arthritis

Braces and splints can help relieve pain and protect joints.

Treating Depression for People with Rheumatoid
Arthritis

Treat depression as just another symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.

Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Still have rheumatoid arthritis symptoms despite medications? Your next option might be surgery.

Alternatives and Complementary Treatments
for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Some herbal remedies may help with arthritis pain, but they are unregulated and have plenty of side effects.

Treatments Not Recommended for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Here are alternative treatments not recommended for rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatments Under Development for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Here are the latest developments in new treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

Overview of Gout

The symptoms of a gout attack are impossible to ignore—sudden stabbing pain and swelling in one joint.

Gout and Diabetes

A new study examines the relationship between gout and diabetes.

Overview of Bursitis

Signs, treatments, and prevention of bursitis—inflammation or irritation of the fluid-filled sacs near your joints.

Shoulders in Motion

The shoulder is a complicated mechanism, with great versatility and a wide range of motion, all of which is why it is so easily injured, and why it pays to protect it.

Treatment Option for Shoulder Pain

New study shows needle aspiration treatment works for shoulder pain.

Overview of Lupus

Lupus is a tricky and challenging disease to diagnose and treat. Here is a rundown on the autoimmune disease.

Overview of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the joints and ligaments in the spine.

Overview of Lyme Disease

Understand the symptoms of Lyme disease so you can seek treatment quickly. Learn what geographic areas increase risk of exposure to Lyme disease-carrying ticks and what prevention measures to take.

Overview of Fibromyalgia

Here's the rundown on fibromyalgia, a rheumatoid disorder.

Guide to Foot Health

When feet take a pounding, find relief in this all-in-one guide to foot health.

Foot Care: Doctors and Exercises

Learn which type of doctors treat foot pain and self-care tips to improve foot health.

Ankle Sprains

Most ankle sprains are minor and can be treated at home, but sometimes you need they can be severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room or a doctor’s office.

Plantar Fasciitis

A pain in the heal—here’s how to treat plantar fasciitis.

Falling Arches

Learn the low down on flat feet and ways to support those fallen arches.

Bunions

A bunion can be both painful and unsightly. A severe bunion can restrict normal activity, such as walking, working, or playing a sport.

Foot Health: Tips for Buying Shoes with a Healthy Fit

Here are some shopping tips for buying shoes that fit just right.

Foot Support: Orthotics and Insoles

Here’s the lowdown on orthotics and insoles and tips on how to choose the right ones for you.