Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in the U.S., affecting millions of adults and half of all people age 65 and older. Although there is no cure for most forms of arthritis, treatment can help patients manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. The choice of treatment depends on the type of arthritis, the severity of symptoms, the patient’s general health, and other factors.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is offering a free fact sheet in Spanish about treatments for the most common forms of arthritis — osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Consejos Sobre la Artritis includes information about the warning signs of arthritis, treatment methods, and up-to-date addresses and telephone numbers of resources for further help. The science-based information is useful for seniors and their family members.

To order copies of Consejos Sobre la Artritis, call 1-800-222-2225 toll free. The NIA Information Center is open weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time. An information specialist will be available to respond to calls in Spanish. This and other Spanish publications on healthy aging also are available on the NIA Web site at www.niapublications.org.

The NIA, part of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leads the Federal effort supporting and conducting research on aging and the special needs of older people. The Institute is committed to making health information available to older Hispanic Americans and their families.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — is comprised of 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.