The first step to take, and probably the most important one, is to invest the time to read and get as much clinical information regarding the true nature of arthritis. Only then can you make informed decisions that will help you overcome your symptoms.  The lack of knowledge regarding arthritis and the reliance on hearsay when managing symptoms can lead you to jump from one alternative remedy to another without achieving significant results.  This can be a frustrating experience.  These references will give you easy-to-understand information on arthritis that I believe every patient should understand.  Get the information right away, time is of essence to control the progressive nature of arthritic deformities.