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She runs, she swims, and she rides a Harley. In more than six weeks, she ate a worm, braved the rugged Australian outback and outwit 15 other wannabes to become the million-dollar winner of the CBS hit show "Survivor II* in 2001.

But what's most remarkable about Tina Wesson, the 40-year-old Knoxville-Tennessee mother-of-two and nursing assistant, is that she does it all with rheumatoid arthritis

About 2.1 million Americans -mostly middle-aged women - have rheumatoid arthritis, a disease of the immune system that causes the lining of the joint to be inflamed, says John Klippel, medical director of the Arthritis Foundation.

The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis primarily attacks the linings of the joints. However, the membranes lining the blood vessels, heart, and lungs may also become inflamed. The hands and feet are most often affected, but any joint lined by a membrane may be involved.

Not everyone with arthritis will be able to run marathons, Klippel says, but an exercise program tailored to the individual will help decrease symptoms in many cases. Wesson believes early diagnosis and medications have kept her illness from becoming severe. She immediately sought a physician when her joints started to painfully swell after a routine game of tennis. Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis include general fatigue, aching, stiffness, and joint pain, and swelling.

Joint pain or stiffness or swelling around a joint that lasts more than two weeks should be a major health concern and you need to visit a doctor. Sadly, despite significant advances in treatment over the past decades, rheumatoid arthritis continues to be an incurable disease.

Treatment is needed to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage and disability. Patients need rest, splinting of affected joints, and exercise programs. Good nutrition is also very important. It is important because patients with a more advanced disease often experience anemia and weight loss.

Medications to control pain and stiffness and reduce the risk of joint deformity are now available. Phosoplex is another alternative. If you suffer from joint and cartilage pain caused by injury, years of participating in sports, aging or a chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis, then Phosoplex is exactly what you need. It is a natural and safe solution for joint, pain and rebuilding of healthy cartilage.