According to Versus Arthritis (formerly Arthritis Research UK), one third of people in the UK aged 45 and over has sought treatment for osteoarthritis - that's around 8.75 million. Many more - some of whom are much younger - suffer in silence. And around 400,000 people in Ireland are known to have the condition. It is generally regarded as a progressive disease related to aging, `wear & tear' and former injury that can be kept at bay with anti-inflammatories and painkillers but will lead inevitably to disability, surgery and joint replacement. But do not despair! Health writer and long-term arthritis sufferer/tamer Frances Ive has been researching and experimenting with ways to live well with osteoarthritis for many years and has developed this new, holistic, practical guide embracing exercise, diet, weight loss, complementary therapies and other strategies that will allow a full and active life. While existing books focus on nutrition/diet alone, or on the dangers of prescription drugs, One Step Ahead of Osteoarthritis looks at a wide range of approaches and how each can contribute to a being healthy and pain free.