More than 30 percent of Australians - adult and child, male and female - will be affected by arthritis or some form of musculoskeletal condition during their lives.

Musculoskeletal disease is the greatest cause of disability in Australia.

The two most common forms of musculoskeletal disease are:

Arthritis - frequently includes inflammation and pain in a joint or joints and its most common form is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective pad of cartilage covering the end of the bone inside a joint deteriorates.

Osteoporosis - affects both men and women. It is a condition where the bones become fragile and brittle. It can be minimised with adequate calcium intake and weight bearing exercise through life.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Arthritis Queensland is able to fund vital research to help find a cure for these disabilities, while also offering the community a number of services:

• Telephone support or information about your arthritis condition - 1800 242 141.
• Tai Chi for Arthritis exercise classes across Queensland.
• Arthritis and osteoporosis self-management courses, to educate people as to how best manage their disability.
• Public seminars across Queensland each year to alert people to the latest treatment and management techniques.
• Health professional training sessions on the latest arthritis management techniques.