@ReneeJDeane,
Arthritis is a range of conditions for a range of reasons, from a simple injury to immune system problems.
Arthritis, like Mame points out, should be diagnosed by a physician and treatment can at least slow progression and ease pain.
GENERALLY: arthritis is both a disease as well as a symptom of other health issues and it is a 'forever' sort of thing, there are interventions and you need to investigate before self doctoring.