Welcome to the Arthritis Foundation’s Introduction

To Arthritis!

Defining Arthritis

ARTH + IT IS =(Joint) (Inflammation)

INFLAMMATION OF THE JOINTS

Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ankylosing Spondylitis Fibromyalgia Lupus Gout Bursitis Juvenile

Rheumatoid ArthritisOsteogenesis Imperfecta Myositis Scleroderma Lyme Disease Carpel Tunnel Psioriatic Arthritis

Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 types of rheumatic diseases

Its Prevalence and Impact

A new CDC report (2006) says that 46 million Americans have arthritis (1 in 5)

The #1 cause of Disability in the U.S.Costs the U.S. economy $128 billion/year

More than half are under age 65.

Two Most Common Types Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Normal Joint Joint with Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis Risk Factors Age Overweight Joint Injury Muscle Weakness Heredity

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Normal Joint Joint with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects nearly 2.1 million Americans

Affects three times more women than menCan result in severe joint damage and deformity

May also cause fatigue, weight loss, and other whole-body symptoms

Major Differences: OA & RAOsteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis

Usually begins age 40+ Usually begins ages 25-50Often affects joints on ONE side of the body

Usually affects joints on BOTH sides of the body

Usually doesn’t cause redness, warmth, and swelling of a joint

Causes redness, warmth and swelling of joints

Affects only certain joints; rarely affects elbows or shoulders

Affects many joints, including elbows and shoulders

Doesn’t cause a general feeling of sickness

Often causes malaise, fatigue, weight loss and fever

Chronic Illness Symptom Cycle

Reduced Activity

Decreased Flexibility,Strength & Function

StiffnessMuscle Tension

Pain

FatigueStressDepression

AngerLoss of Self-Esteem

Three Important Questions

1. Can osteoarthritis be prevented?

2. How is it diagnosed?

3. How can it be managed?