Understand Arthritis: Eradicating Myths and Exploring Self-Management

What is Arthritis? Derived from Greek words “arth” (meaning joint) and “itis” (meaning inflammation) Literal meaning is “joint inflammation” Arthritis is used to refer to any of the more than 100 different conditions that cause pain in the joints and tissues surrounding them, such as muscles and tendons When a person has arthritis, joints and surrounding tissues, such as muscles or tendons, often become inflamed. Inflammation is the body’s reaction to illness or injury, which can cause pain, swelling, redness or heat in certain areas, such as a joint. These conditions may be called forms of arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions or rheumatic diseases. In many sources, these terms are used interchangeably.

What happens with Arthritis? Arthritis is not a single disease, but is a complex collection of many different disease with varied symptoms. Pain is one common thread between the more than 100 different arthritis-related conditions. Usually involved pain in or around the joints, but varies from person to person in intensity. May cause inflammation, or swelling, in and around the joint; stiffness and limited mobility.

Arthritis Myths Arthritis has been recognized for thousands of years. Unfortunately, many misconceptions about this chronic condition have been around for almost as long. We will try to debunk some of these myths about arthritis and provide some key definitions along the way.

Myth 1: Arthritis is Aches and Pains Myth: Just another name for pains people feel as they grow older. Fact: Arthritis may begin at any age, including childhood. Additionally, some elderly people do not develop arthritis. Some forms of arthritis are self-limited and get better without treatment. Others may affect the body’s internal organs as well as the joints

Type of Arthritis Localized Conditions – affect one joint or one area of the body Soft tissue localized conditions (bursitis or tendinitis, for example) Conditions that affect one or a few joints (such as osteoarthritis) A simple way to organize arthritis-related conditions is to group them into categories based on whether they affect only one joint or area of the body (localized conditions) or many joints and organs over the entire body (generalized conditions). USE HANDOUTS

Types of Arthritis Generalized Conditions – affect many joints or areas of the body Widespread muscle/soft tissue conditions without inflammation (such as fibromyalgia) Inflammatory conditions usually involving joints (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, gout, and vasculitis)

Myth 2: Not A Health Problem Fact: Most common chronic health condition in Americans, affecting 1 in every 6 persons Major cause of work disability in persons under 65 May amount to $65 billion annually in direct, indirect, and intangible costs USE HANDOUT Direct: such as physician (and other health professional) fees, charges for laboratory tests and X-rays, drugs, assistive devices, surgeries and other costs. Indirect: such as lost wages due to work disability. Intangible: such as need for spouse or relative to take time off from work to bring a patient to a caregiver, travel for medical care, or money spent to remodel the home to meet the needs of a person with arthritis, and many others.

Myth 3: No Treatment Available There are no cures for most chronic rheumatic conditions. Fact: Some improvement in the pain and loss of function is possible in almost everyone with arthritis. Joint destruction can be controlled effectively in most people—especially those with RA Can lead full and productive lives

Be a Self-Manager Unfortunately, arthritis symptoms can’t be cured by a magic pill. Arthritis is a condition that requires your participation in ongoing care. Taking your medications as prescribed will almost certainly alleviate your pain and may slow the progression of your arthritis in some cases. But there are many other thins you can and should do to ease your symptoms and prevent further joint damage.

Basic Joint Protection Tips Respect your pain. Avoid improper positions. Avoid staying in the same position too long. Use your bigger joints and muscles for exerting tasks. Use assistive devices. Maintain muscle strength and joint range of motion. USE HANDOUT Can practice stretches if want

Joint Fitness Strong, fit muscles support joints more effectively, protect joints from undue strain and injury, and help you perform everyday tasks more efficiently and with less pain. Keep physical activity moderate Warm water aerobics When you experience arthritis pain, exercise may be the last thing you want to do. But if you do not exercise and move your joints, your pain will only increase. Not moving your joints makes them more stiff and painful. Inactivity makes the muscles supporting the joints even weaker, and weak muscles cannot protect the joint or compensate for the joint’s limited motion. Such ordinary activities as raking leaves or washing dishes—tasks that once were just a little more difficult because of arthritis pain—may become impossible if you do not exercise.

Joint Nutrition Evidence shows that excessive weight and the type of diet you follow may influence symptoms of certain types of arthritis and related conditions. Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grain breads and cereals and lean sources of protein

Tips for Good Living with Arthritis When You Are Getting Ready for the Day: Getting Out of Bed Making The Bed Toilet and Bathroom Safety Bathing and Showering Dental Care Grooming Getting Dressed USE HANDOUTS For more Tips for Good Living with Arthritis on When You’re On the Road At Work Around the House Out and About At Rest Go to the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org. Book is “Tips for Good Living with Arthritis”

Resources Arthritis Foundation offers a wealth of information and resources at helping you live a full and productive life with arthritis. www.arthritis.org Check it out!