With proper management, a rheumatic disease often does not have to hinder your daily activities.

If you have arthritis, taking your medication and following your doctor's orders are essential. But self-care can be just as important in your daily and long-term management of the disease.

The treatment goals include reducing joint swelling, relieving stiffness, preventing joint damage and maintaining joint function.

Exercise has important health benefits for everyone -- regardless of age and physical condition. But for people with arthritis, working out regularly, and within their limits, is critical.

Doctors and physical therapists say people with arthritis can improve their health and fitness through exercise without damaging their joints.

Taking arthritis medication is important, but what you do for yourself, including exercising, doing relaxation exercises and managing your emotions and attitudes, is just as crucial to your ability to lead an active, productive life.

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, most often affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. It also can affect the hands and spine.

What you eat and how you cook may make life easier for people with RA.