Arthritis means inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. It describes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness.

Having osteoarthritis can be confusing because on one hand we say conserve your joints and protect them, and on the other hand, we say exercise.

There is a line that you have to follow between too little and too much exercise. I think most people don't exercise enough. A gentle exercise program including some walking and other things that one would enjoy, such as swimming, aerobics classes, and tai chi.

                              

These can be helpful for people with osteoarthritis to help protect the joints, lose weight and keep strong and functional. Sometimes people need some help in terms of supportive aids, such as canes, insoles, knee splints, thumb splints, or finger splints. An occupational therapist can help fashion one of those custom or they can be bought off the shelf as well. If you have questions about osteoarthritis and lifestyle changes, contact a local rheumatologist or family physician.

The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is made by a physician, often someone who is a specialist in arthritis.It needs to be made by getting a good history from the patient, performing a full physical examination, and by doing certain blood tests that could help rule in and rule out rheumatoid arthritis, but also other conditions that can cause swelling of the joints. Other conditions would include psoriatic arthritis or lupus or other connective tissue diseases or even certain infections.

So it's important not to just assume its rheumatoid arthritis, but to rule out these other conditions. Once again, if you have any questions about rheumatoid arthritis or think you have rheumatoid arthritis, please see your healthcare professional for more information.