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Osteoarthritis
A personal note from Carlyn. I was diagnose with Osteoarthritis when I was 16 year old, before my weight was a problem.  Unfortunately,  this form of arthritis can be passed ongenetically,  and I was the unlucky one in the family that got it from my dad. (Sorry Dad - I now understand what you went through). There was a point in my life that just walking was causing me extreme pain.  I was placed on Naprosin but developed a 6 cm. Ulcer.  So I was taken off the Naprosin. I have to say that Celebrex has saved my sanity.  I take the highest dose a  200mg capsule  twice a day.  Before I started on this medicine, I could barely walk – that is I could barely walk without extreme pain – now I only feel the pain if I over do it.  I have had arthritis since I was 16 years old, and for years I lived with such pain I use to cry at night.  I feel like this is my miracle drug. But I know some people it did not work for them, but for me – I am extremely grateful for it. The Celebrex website was one of the few English web-sites I could find information about Osteoarthritis.  It has some excellent flash movies on arthritis.
The following information comes from the website:  http://www.celebrex.com/index.asp
What Is Arthritis? You probably know someone with arthritis. Arthritis—which means joint inflammation—affects 43 million people, about one in every six Americans. You might be surprised to know that arthritis doesn't affect only older people; more than half of people with arthritis are under age 65. The three major symptoms of arthritis are joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Do these symptoms sound familiar? Do you think you might have arthritis? Your doctor can help you sort out the possibilities and make choices regarding your next step. Early intervention can help you receive the right diagnosis and begin treatment so you can start getting relief from arthritis symptoms sooner. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These forms of arthritis are part of a group of more than 100 diseases called rheumatic disorders. The OA animation and RA animation can help you understand how these diseases affect your joints. Remember, only your doctor can properly assess your symptoms and give you an accurate diagnosis. And only your doctor can recommend a course of treatment that's best suited to your condition and your needs. If you have joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness that consistently bothers you, see your doctor. Living with Arthritis The relationship between diet and arthritis has been the subject of exploration, claims, and controversies since the 1930s. There is no debate, however, about the benefits of a healthy diet. Nor is there any doubt about the benefits of regular appropriate exercise in a comprehensive arthritis treatment program. Being overweight puts extra strain on your joints. Your doctor or health care professional may suggest you lose weight. Diet and exercise can be effective strategies to achieve that goal. Diet Because arthritis symptoms can change from day to day, you may think that what you ate yesterday is related to the pain you feel today. If you suspect that something in your diet may improve or worsen your arthritis, discuss it with your doctor. In any case, you should be aware of what you eat and drink, and cultivate healthy habits to maintain good health:          •        Eat a variety of foods          •        Include vegetables, fruits, and grains in your diet          •        Control fat and cholesterol intake          •        Eat only moderate amounts of sugar          •        Maintain a healthy weight          •        Use salt only in moderation, and limit your sodium intake          •        Drink alcohol only in moderation          •        Take the recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals, including calcium There may be links between certain foods and certain types of arthritis:         •        Osteoarthritis. Overweight people are at greater risk for developing osteoarthritis (OA) in the weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips. Ten extra pounds of weight increases the force on your knees by 30 to 60 pounds with each step you take. If your doctor believes you're overweight, he may include weight control in an arthritis-management plan. •        Rheumatoid arthritis. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have experienced less joint tenderness over time after eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids, including oils from some cold-water fish (white albacore tuna, salmon, mackerel, herring, and others), may modify the inflammation associated with RA. Exercise If your joints are painful, inflamed, or stiff, you might not feel much like exercising. You might even think you shouldn't exercise. But you may be surprised to learn that regular exercise can be a key part of arthritis treatment. It's likely that you'll even be able to incorporate some activities you enjoy into your routine. What might a regular exercise program do for you?          •        Reduce joint pain and stiffness          •        Improve endurance          •        Develop muscle strength          •        Decrease bone loss          •        Help control joint swelling          •        Minimize fatigue          •        Improve sleep          •        Enhance weight loss          •        Keep bone and cartilage strong and healthy Your exercise program may depend on the type of arthritis you have, which joints are affected, and the severity of your condition. Your doctor or physical therapist can help tailor an exercise program to fit your needs. The three major types of exercises that will probably be included are: •        Range-of-motion exercises. These exercises are intended to reduce stiffness and enhance flexibility. "Range of motion" means the extent to which your joints normally move in certain directions. Range-of-motion exercises can be done daily, but are generally done at least every other day. •        Strengthening exercises. These include exercises to help keep or increase muscle strength, such as weight training. Strong muscles can help support and protect joints affected by arthritis. Strengthening exercises are generally done every other day, unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joints. •        Aerobic exercises. These exercises can give you more stamina, help you sleep better, control your weight, and improve your sense of well- being. Walking, swimming and other types of water exercise, and stationary bike riding are three forms of aerobic training that can also strengthen your heart. Ask your doctor if you can exercise for 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week. You can also break this type of exercise into shorter sessions over the course of the day. Talk with your doctor about developing an exercise plan. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. It's best to start with supervision from a physical therapist or qualified trainer. And then  •        Begin slowly and progress gradually  •        Try applying heat before exercising and            cold packs when you're done  •        Warm up first and cool down afterward  •        Stop if the exercise hurts, and get your doctor's advice  •        Enjoy yourself!