The bones, joints and muscles of the body make up the locomotor system, which enables us to move around. All sorts of problems may develop in this system, particularly as we get older. The term Arthritis refers to problems with the joints in the locomotor system. There are many forms of arthritis, although not all forms are serious nor do they necessarily get progressively worse. Rheumatism is a vaguer term referring generally to aches and pains and problems with the soft tissues, such as muscles and tendons. The aim of this book is to help readers understand how their locomotor system works, what can go wrong and what help is available. There is a lot you can do to help yourself, both to treat problems when they arise and to prevent them happening in the first instance.