What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition in which individuals suffer from joint pain, typically in the fingers, toes, arms and legs. Inflammation of these areas is a common part of arthritis. There are over 100 types of arthritis, each with its own features and cause.
What are the most common forms of Arthritis?
In America, the most common types of Arthritis are osteoarthritis (related to wearing of cartilage) and rheumatoid arthritis (related to deficiencies in the immune system).
Am I at risk for Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that does not discriminate based on age, gender, religion or race. Though Arthritis is commonly thought of as an elderly condition, over half of its sufferers are under the age of 65! Some groups do have higher rates of Arthritis, including women (60%).
Fast Facts about chronic joint pain:
- 1985 - 35 million
- 1990 - 37.9 million
- 1998 - nearly 43 million (1 in 6 people)
- 2006 – 46 million (nearly 1 in 5 adults)
- Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15.
- Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability.
- Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking, dressing and bathing for more than 7 million Americans.
- Arthritis results in 39 million physician visits and more than a half million hospitalizations.
- Costs to the U.S. economy totals $128 billion annually.
- Arthritis affects people in all age groups including nearly 300,000 children.
- Baby boomers are now at prime risk. More than half those affected are under age 65.
- Half of those Americans with arthritis don’t think anything can be done to help them.
- Arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that affect areas in or around joints.
- Arthritis strikes women more often than men.
What can I do?
In some cases, the onset of Arthritis is unavoidable. However, staying active is an important part of prevention. If you have been diagnosed with Arthritis, your doctor will be able to help you improve your quality of life through changes in lifestyle or medication.
If you think you may have Arthritis, please visit a primary care provider today. Early diagnosis is the key!
For more information, please visit these websites: