Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints (where two bones meet) which results in pain, swelling, and limited movement. Occurring in both men and women of all ages, some 37 million people in the U.S.--or one in seven--have arthritis of some kind.

There are over 100 forms of arthritis, ranging from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in our country.

Arthritis symptoms may include:

• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Warmth around a joint
• Redness of the skin around a joint
• Reduced ability to move the joint

Links to information on arthritis:

• The Michigan Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation
• The State of Arthritis in Michigan. Michigan Department of Community Health provides insight into how arthritis affects Michigan residents.
• Centers for Disease Control.
• National Institute on Aging, Arthritis Advice
• Prevention Magazinelists recent articles in arthritis and shares recipes and other healthy tips.
• About.com: What Is Arthritis?