Carol & Richard Eustice

Carol and Richard, About.com's Guides to Osteoarthritis, were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the prime of life and they have over 50 years combined experience living with arthritis. Though Carol and Richard's primary condition is rheumatoid arthritis, both have developed osteoarthritis as a secondary condition.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Carol worked in a hospital laboratory as a Registered Medical Technologist for 16 years, until arthritis put a premature end to her career. In 1995, Carol started and moderated the first Rheumatoid Arthritis Chatroom / Support Group on America Online.

Carol and Richard have been co-guides for About.com's Arthritis website since 1997 and the Osteoarthritis website since 2007. Carol is also a writer and patient advocate for people living with arthritis and chronic illness. Carol is the author of the The Everything Health Guide to Arthritis, published by Adams Media (ISBN-13: 978-1598694109).

Carol has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. She also completed a one-year internship in a School of Medical Technology and became licensed as a Registered Medical Technologist, MT(ASCP).

Osteoarthritis (OA) is by far the most prevalent type of arthritis. Nearly 1 in 8 Americans age 25 and older (about 12%) have OA, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Over the next two decades, as the population ages, the number of people diagnosed with OA will continue to skyrocket. By the year 2030, about 1 in 5 Americans (about 70 million people) will be over 65 years old and at high risk for developing the disease.

OA affects people differently, the disease may occur alone or together with other types of arthritis. Primary OA is mostly a consequence of aging. Secondary OA can develop as a consequence of injury, trauma, or another disease or condition.

We're here to help you understand essential information about OA, including signs and symptoms, diagnosis, medications, natural remedies, and other treatment options. We share our insight on living and coping with OA and offer practical advice to help you manage your illness.