(HealthDay News) — Arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, affects about one in five adults in the United States, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Symptoms of the disease can include pain, swelling or stiffness of the joints.

If you have arthritis, the CDC offers these tips to help manage your condition:

• Get an early diagnosis. In some cases, a drug regimen may improve symptoms and prevent your arthritis from getting worse.
• Get exercise. Studies show that staying active at least 30 minutes a day, three days a week, can reduce pain and improve mobility and flexibility.
• When exercising or doing work that puts stress on your joints, try to wear protective braces and be cautious of any wear and tear on your joints.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Arthritis symptoms tend to flare up more if you are overweight.

If you think you have arthritis or are having difficulty managing your symptoms, talk with your doctor.