The subject is easing the pain of arthritis and of conditions that involve damage to the joints of the body.

There are different forms and different causes.

The most common is osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease, the result of trauma to the joint, infection or age.

Other forms are rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis itself, which are auto-immune diseases in which the body attacks itself.

Pat Singh, Penrith branch secretary of the Arthritis Foundation Support Group NSW, said there are 127 different types which can strike from birth.

Ms Singh is educating members on remedies to help ease the pain.

The Penrith branch has monthly meetings at which board members present updates on research. They also discuss related topics and there is a bus trip every month.

The branch raises funds to send children with arthritis to special camps.

``Once you have it, you need to exercise the joints,'' Ms Singh said. ``Tai-chi and warm-water exercises are great. Having pets helps because you have to walk, pat and groom them.''

Representatives of the Natural Health Society, Nepean Division of General Practice, Penrith branch of Arthritis Foundation Support Group NSW and a tai-chi demonstrator will be at the stall tomorrow, 11am to 1pm.