Aches and pains are no strangers to most of us - so how do you know whether you are at risk of getting arthritis?

You are more likely to get arthritis if:

• you have a family history of arthritis
• you have had a joint injury or joint infection
• you have worked in a heavy physical occupation
• you are in an older age group
• you are obese
• you are female

You may have arthritis if:

• you have pain and stiffness in one or more joints
• you have early morning stiffness in one or more joints
• you have recurring pain, tenderness, or swelling in one or more joints
• you have overall aching, joint stiffness, and fatigue
• you have muscle weakness associated with joint stiffness
• you have difficulty doing daily tasks

If you have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see your Doctor.

There is a lot which can be done for the more than half a million New Zealanders with arthritis - and we're helping those people with information, education and support services.

For more information on the different sorts of arthritis and treatment. For more information you can contact us by looking up a service centre close to you.