Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. Symptoms of arthritis may include pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and limitation of movement. There are over 100 types of arthritis. Three common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that protects and...

Chronic aches and stiffness can make even your favorite activities less enjoyable. Learn how to manage your symptoms and move freely. Select a topic: Bone Mineral Density Screening FAQ Degenerative Joint Disease Gout Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Psoriasis Rheumatoid Arthritis Should I Take Vitamin D2 or D3? Spa Therapy...

Covers creating and following a plan to help manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Discusses early treatment with exercise and medicine to limit joint damage. Includes tips for coping with chronic joint pain, fatigue, and stiffness.

Shots, or injections, for arthritis knee pain can help you cope with the pain and be more active. The most common shot for arthritis knee pain is a steroid shot. It's also called a cortisone or corticosteroid shot. Arthritis pain is caused by inflamed tissue, and the steroid shot can help reduce the inflammation...

Guides through decision to have knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis. Describes other surgeries and treatment options used to decrease osteoarthritis pain. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Arthrodesis is a type of surgery that joins (fuses) 2 bones in a diseased joint so that the joint can no longer move. It may be done when pain and disability or instability from a diseased joint can no longer be managed with medicines, splints, and other methods. The surgery may be done on joints such as the fingers...

Discusses arthroplasty, joint replacement surgery for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Covers why it is done. Also covers how well it works and the risks.

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that lets a doctor look inside your joints. The doctor uses a thin viewing tool called an arthroscope, or scope. It allows the doctor to see the joint surfaces and the tough tissue that covers and cushions the ends of the bones (cartilage). The doctor can also see the surrounding soft...

For arthroscopic jaw surgery, the surgeon inserts a pencil-thin, lighted tube (arthroscope) into the jaw joint through a small incision in the skin. The arthroscope is connected to a small camera outside the body that transmits a close-up image of the joint to a TV screen. The surgeon can insert surgical tools through...

Articaine and epinephrine are anesthetics (numbing medicines). They work by blocking nerve signals in your body. Articaine and epinephrine is a combination medicine used to numb your mouth for a dental procedure. Articaine and epinephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Common problems may develop with artificial nails, such as: Bacterial infection. You may dislodge an artificial nail from the nail bed by bumping it or catching it. Infection can develop in the gap that forms between the two nails, especially if the artificial nail is reglued before a thorough cleaning. Fungal nail...

An artificial sphincter is a device made of silicone rubber that is used to treat urinary incontinence. An artificial sphincter has an inflatable cuff that fits around the urethra close to the point where it joins the bladder. A balloon regulates the pressure of the cuff, and a bulb controls inflation and deflation of...

For inflammatory bowel disease.

Asbestos is an insulating material commonly used from the 1950s to 1970s for soundproofing and to cover floors, ceilings, water pipes, and heating ducts. When this material becomes crumbly or frayed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. Breathing asbestos fibers may cause lung cancer, asbestosis (scarring of...