It's a myth that arthritis only affects older people. Three out of five sufferers are under 65, including 300,000 children.

Pueblo, Colo. - infoZine - There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases-where inflammation of the joints causes redness, swelling, stiffness, and pain. Learn the symptoms of the different types and the available treatments with a new, free package of publications from the experts at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

If you're not sure what's causing the joint pain you've been feeling, compare your symptoms with the common signs of arthritis listed in "Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases." Symptoms can include fever and weight loss as well as stiff or sore joints. Learn which questions to ask your doctor to get the most effective treatment.

Arthritis generally progresses over time and symptoms can worsen, but exercise usually helps. Use "Questions and Answers About Arthritis and Exercise" to learn how to get started. Exercising in moderation and when the pain is the least severe helps maintain healthy muscles, preserve joint mobility, and maintain flexibility. But always check with your doctor on what's best to do to ease your pain.

Arthritis can develop at any age. To find out more, order your free Get the Facts About Arthritis package:

Send your name and address to Get the Facts About Arthritis, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/n22arthritis.htm to place your order online or to read or print out these and hundreds of other federal publications for free.

Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO. That's 1 (888) 878-3256 weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the Get the Facts About Arthritis package.

Get even more information and take advantage of federal online resources at www.FirstGov.gov -- your official front door to federal and state government websites.