The stress of rejection makes people more susceptible to arthritis and other diseases linked with inflammation

SATURDAY, Aug. 7 (HealthDay News) -- Protecting your knees when you're younger may help prevent serious problems such as arthritis and the need for knee replacement when you're older, an expert advises.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic auto-immune disease that primarily causes painful inflammation around synovial joints (e.g. knees, fingers, elbows).

Painful arthritis of the knee is on the rise as is the number of middle-aged people who refuse to let the condition interfere with their favorite sports or exercise. Active people in their 40s and 50s are challenging doctors to provide treatments that not only keep them walking but keep them running and jumping as well.

CLYDE Dr. Gerald King, an orthopedic surgeon at Western Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists in Clyde, will address arthritis and its effects on the knees and hips during a Conquering Arthritis Lunch and Learn session from noon - 1 p.m. July 26 in the second floor classroom at Haywood Regional Health Fitness Center.