some good basic info to understand arthritis better:
"BACKGROUND: Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body. There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis, is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint - or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and autoimmune disease. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. More than 20 million people with arthritis have severe limitations that affect their function on a daily basis. Each year, arthritis results in nearly 1,000,000 hospitalizations and close to 45,000,000 outpatient visits to health care centers. Causes of arthritis include injury metabolic abnormalities, hereditary factors, the direct and indirect effect of infections and a misdirected immune system with autoimmunity. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, limited function of joints, and inflammation of the joints, which is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. (SOURCE: The Arthritis Foundation)
MYTHS: How much do you really know about arthritis? Did you know it's a two billion dollar a year business? Many medications promise miracle cures, but doctors say a quick fix with unproven pills, devices, and minimally invasive surgery may be a waste of money if you have an advanced form of arthritis. The best option: joint replacement surgery. When joint replacement surgery occurs, the artificial surfaces of the joint replacement are shaped in such a way as to allow joint movement similar to that of a healthy natural joint."
read more myths here: http://www.wftv.com/health/26300926/detail.html