Arm Yourself Against Osteoarthritis!
Start With Knowledge, So You Can Take Action

Learn about the joint disease that affects more than 27 million Americans. It is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. If your joints are healthy now, see if you are at risk.

Who really thinks about their joints? Like other working parts of a healthy body, joints aren't on our minds until they start to hurt or cause trouble.

The first clue that you have osteoarthritis (OA) might be a joint that feels stiff when you wake up, painful later in the day or weak when you use it. It may be a bit tender to the touch or seem to groan when you bend it.

Knowing the early signs of OA is important. Although there is no cure for OA, taking quick action may help you preserve the long-term health and function of your joints.

If, instead, your joints are sound and strong, keep them that way. Learn now about your risk of OA . Steps you take today can reduce that risk and possibly delay OA onset. Be sure to do all you can to keep your physical abilities and function throughout life.

Take an advantage by learning about this disease.

To start, get answers to these common questions:

• What is OA? Learn what happens to joints affected by OA, initially and over time.
   
• What causes OA? Find out what is known about the causes of OA and the factors that can increase the risk of OA.
   
• Is OA preventable? Get smart about what may help prevent OA.
   
• Is it OA? How to be sure. Learn when to see a doctor, what to tell a doctor, and how doctors diagnose OA.
   
• It's OA. Now what? Understand what an OA diagnosis means and how the disease is managed over the long haul.
   

Next: What Is Osteoarthritis?