Health Topics
Publication Date: February 2000
Revised July 2001
Do I have Arthritis?
Do I have Arthritis?
What Is Arthritis? Top
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Gout, in which crystals build up in the joints.
It usually affects the big toe.
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Lupus (LOOP-us), in which the body's defense system can harm the joints, the heart, the skin, the kidneys, and other organs.
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Viral hepatitis (VY-rul HEP-ah-TY-tis), in which
an infection of the liver can cause arthritis.
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Rheumatoid arthritis can make it hard to hold a pencil or a brush.
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Do I Have Arthritis? Top
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Have a fever.
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Lose weight.
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Have trouble breathing.
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Get a rash or itch.
These symptoms may also be signs of other illnesses.
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Having stiffness or pain when you move could be a sign of arthritis.
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What Can I Do? Top
How Will the Doctor Help? Top
How Should I Use Arthritis Medicine? Top
What If I Still Hurt? Top
If you still hurt after using your medicine correctly and doing one or more of these things, call your doctor. Another kind of medicine might work better for you. Some people can also benefit from surgery, such as joint replacement.
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Using an ice pack on a sore joint can help relieve pain.
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You Can Feel Better! Top
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Try to keep your weight down. Too much weight can make your knees and hips hurt.
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Exercise. Moving all of your joints will help
you. The doctor or nurse can show you how
to move more easily. Going for a walk every day will help, too.
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Take your medicines when and how you are supposed to. They can help reduce pain and stiffness.
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Try taking a warm shower in the morning.
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See your doctor regularly.
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Seek information that can help you.
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Keeping active may help reduce the stiffness in your joints.
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For More Help Top
In Appreciation Top
Do You Have Arthritis or a Related Condition?
You may be able to help scientists learn more about these conditions.
For information about research projects near your home,
call the NIAMS Information Clearinghouse
(301) 495-4484
You could make a difference!
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This booklet is not copyrighted. You can make copies of it and give out as many as you want.
For more copies, contact
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Information Clearinghouse
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
You can find this booklet on the NIAMS Web site at http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/.
This site also has much more information on arthritis and other bone,
joint, and skin problems.
The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is to support research into
the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal
and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to
carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research
progress in these diseases. The NIAMS Information Clearinghouse is a
public service sponsored by the NIAMS that provides health information
and information sources. Additional information and research updates
can be found on the NIAMS Web site at http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/.
This booklet is provided by the National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in cooperation with the Arthritis
Foundation (Fundación Para La Artritis).