When I learned that I have osteoarthritis (just like many baby boomers, as well as older and younger folks) I was really surprised. I thought the pains I felt were due to my back, which had given me problems many years ago.

As it turned out, I had osteoarthritis in both hips. Neither looked good to my doctors, but one was especially bad. So in late 2007 I had total replacement of one hip. It made all the difference in the world, and I'm really glad I did it.

When I was first diagnosed with osteoarthritis I decided to learn as much as I could about it - why it happens, how to live with it, and, if possible, ways to prevent further damage.

I learned that there are more than 100 types of arthritis and that osteoarthritis is the most common type. Because so many people suffer from arthritis of one type or another, I decided to share what I've learned thus far.

Even if you don't have arthritis, it's good to know something about it. Why? Chances are a family member or friend has arthritis, and your informed support would be very helpful. And, of course, the chances are good that you may have some form of arthritis someday, so why not be informed?!

According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 types of arthritis.

In America alone, some 27 million people suffer from osteoarthritis, 1.3 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis affects about 300,000 children. Arthritis can strike anyone, even the healthiest and most physically fit among us.

The Arthritis Foundation is the best source of reliable information about the various types of arthritis. Visit their website to learn:

• the major types of arthritis
• how to protect your joints
• how to manage your pain
• what you need to know about joint replacement surgery
• alternative therapies for treating arthritis

And there's much more - an active online community, information about arthritis research, and other useful resources. The Arthritis Foundation is the place to start.

There are many over-the-counter possibilities to help you ease the pain of arthritis. These include pain relievers such as Advil and Tylenol and glucosamine, for example. Many people are uncomfortable taking frequent doses of pain relievers and have found a good alternative in capsaicin, which is the active ingredient in chili peppers.

"When it is applied to the skin, capsaicin cream has been found to deplete substance P-a neurochemical that transmits pain-which desensitizes a person to pain. Capsaicin cream produces a temporary reduction in pain, so it must be used regularly to provide prolonged pain relief." You can read much more about how it works and the research that has been done by clicking here.