Arthritis, itself a group of more than 100 different diseases, is one category of rheumatic diseases.

Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body.

Rheumatic diseases are the leading cause of disability among people ages 65 and older.

Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases.

Joints are the areas where two or more bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing the bones to move.

Sprained ankles and wrists, arthritic knees and hips and torn rotator cuffs all have one thing in common: They result in joint pain.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a chronic, degenerative, joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults.

If you have arthritis, taking your medication and following your doctor's orders are essential. But self-care can be just as important in your daily and long-term management of the disease.

Although there's no cure for arthritis, the symptoms can be treated effectively in many cases. Here's a look at some proven treatments.

Exercise has important health benefits for everyone -- regardless of age and physical condition. But for people with arthritis, working out regularly, and within their limits, is critical.

One of the most important things you should do if you show symptoms of osteoarthritis -- recurring pain, aching, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint --is to see your doctor as soon as possible. Osteoarthritis usually comes on slowly.

Taking arthritis medication is important, but what you do for yourself, including exercising, doing relaxation exercises and managing your emotions and attitudes, is just as crucial to your ability to lead an active, productive life.