Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that results in localized pain and stiffness. One version, osteoarthritis, causes the lubricating tissues between the bones to break down. Another, rheumatoid arthritis, causes the immune system to attack the joints, making them inflamed and swollen.

Risk factors include family history, advancing age, previous joint injury and excess weight. Due to hormones and other factors, women are more susceptible to osteoarthritis than men.

Severe arthritis can prevent people from weight-bearing activities, including carrying packages, walking or even sitting up. It may cause finger joints to become swollen or deformed, preventing even simple tasks.

SEEK HELP FOR THESE SYMPTOMS:

* Pain, stiffness, swelling or redness of the joints

* Decreased range of motion

TREATMENT:

Arthritis medications include analgesics such as Tylenol to reduce pain, although they don't treat the condition. Medications such as Percocet and OxyContin contain oxycodone and may be habit forming. Other treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin IB or Aleve, creams that contain capsaicin and drugs that prevent the immune system from attacking joints, such as methotrexate.

Physicians may recommend resistance training to strengthen muscles and range-of-motion exercises. In some advanced cases, joint repair or replacement surgery may be recommended.