Arthritis, meaning 'joint inflammation,' is an umbrella term for almost one hundred medical conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Arthritis is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia, tormenting 3.4 million individuals, 60% of whom are of working age. With the growth of the ageing population, almost 4.6 million (20% of the Australian population) will suffer from a form of arthritis. Although not yet curable, arthritis is manageable.

Healthworks Arthritis firstly presents the anatomical cause of arthritic pain; followed by detailed characteristics and management procedures for the main types of arthritis including those three that account for 95% of arthritis patients – namely, osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis; outlines the causes and underlying risks of developing arthritis; major symptoms, management, who is affected, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and moderate exercise, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapies, support groups, and possible future cures.