Arthritis and Joint Pain Guide - Types of arthritis, causes and treatments

Joint pain can be associated with more than 50 kinds of arthritis - but it can also be caused by conditions that are not arthritis at all.

So when a joint aches, how you know whether you have arthritis or something else? And if you have arthritis, how do you know which kind you have?

Getting the right diagnosis is critical. Treatment for joint pain differs widely, depending on the cause. The right diagnosis and early treatment can slow joint damage and return you to your previous level of activity. The wrong treatment - or avoiding treatment - may mean joint deterioration, poor function, and compromised mobility.

To help you analyze your arthritis, Cleveland Clinic's Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Center has produced a free downloadable arthritis and joint pain guide. The guide includes information on the following:

Three most common types of arthritis: osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gout
The symptoms & risk factors of each
Conservative treatment approaches such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, and injections
Surgical treatment options including resurfacing and partial and total joint replacement
Treatment options for patients who can't travel to Cleveland Clinic including MyConsult, our online medical second opinion service.

Don't let arthritis keep you from enjoying a normal life. Get answers today by downloading our free guide.