• Arthritis is a musculoskeletal disease.
• Arthritis can affect group of any age, includingchildren (although children only develop specific forms of arthritiscalled juvenile chronic arthritis). The most common forms of arthritisoccur in adults.
• Females are at higher risk of developing certaintypes of arthritis such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. But other typesof arthritis like gout or ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine)take place more commonly in males. Men and women are equally likely todevelop osteoarthritis.
• Arthritis is not caused by particular foods, coldfood or drinks, heavy metals in food or the environment orair-conditioning.
• Arthritic conditions are rarely passed on directlyfrom parent to child, although some families seem to be susceptible tocertain types of arthritis.
• Arthritis is notcaused by overworking in the post partum period (after delivery of baby)and women can safely bath during this time without putting themselves at riskof developing arthritis.
• Arthritis is inflammation of the joints wherestiffness, swelling in joints along with joint pain is observed.
• Though the symptoms of arthritis are generally derivedaround the ends of bones and in the joints, patients may develop low-gradefever and feel tired or generally unwell.
• Some types of arthritis (e.g. RA) can arise at anyage.  
• Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that tends tomanifest itself with advancing years.
• Gout is a specific type of arthritis caused by uratecrystals forming in the joints. Gout attacks are extremely painful. Alltypes of arthritis are not gout but gout is a form of arthritis.
• Gout is connected with diets high in purines (thatare usually found in animal internal organs, meat extracts and oily fish) butthere is no confirmation that particular foods cause other arthriticconditions.
• Periodic cracking of one’s knuckles is not a riskfactor for arthritis though stretched overuse of particular joints(usually in certain occupations) may increase the risk of arthritis inthose joints. 
• The accurate causes of arthritis are unknown, but regularexercise and maintaining a healthy bodyweight reduce the risk ofdeveloping osteoarthritis. Avoiding chronic stress on joints from over-usecan also reduce the likelihood of developing arthritis. Some preventivemeasures like changes in lifestyle have proved to be beneficial for patientswho already have arthritis and may help to stop deterioration of thejoints and avoid complications of the disease.
• Pain relievers are the most common type of medicinefor arthritis. These drugs decrease the inflammation and relieve pain. Medicinesare advisable to be taken only on prescription or after discussion withyour doctor.

Physical activity is often painful for patients with arthritis, and they may be tempted to avoid exercise. Regular gentle exercise maintains joint integrity and mobility. Physical activity is often painful for arthritic patients and they may be tempted to avoid exercise. Your doctor or physiotherapist can advice you on safe and gentle exercises for you.