THE ARTHRITIS CENTER

The term arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that affect the joints (the places in your body where bones meet) and, sometimes, muscles and other tissues. These diseases fall into two categories. One form of arthritis—called degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis—results from the breakdown of the cushioning tissue inside joints called cartilage. The other form of arthritis—called inflammatory arthritis—results from inflammation (redness, warmth, and swelling) in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis.

If you have arthritis, the more you know about the disorder, the more successful your treatment is likely to be and the better control you’ll have over your symptoms. The Arthritis Center will help you understand two of the most common types of arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, so that you can make well-informed decisions about your treatment, and use the many alternative and self-help treatments available.