Welcome to the Arthritis Foundation’s Introduction To Arthritis!

Defining Arthritis ARTH + IT IS = (Joint)(Inflammation) INFLAMMATION OF THE JOINTS

OsteoarthritisRheumatoid Arthritis Ankylosing Spondylitis Fibromyalgia Lupus Gout Bursitis Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteogenesis Imperfecta Myositis Scleroderma Lyme Disease Carpel TunnelPsioriatic 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 JointJoint 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 men  Can result in severe joint damage and deformity  May also cause fatigue, weight loss, and other whole-body symptoms

Major Differences: OA & RA OsteoarthritisRheumatoid Arthritis Usually begins age 40+Usually begins ages Often 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 Stiffness Fatigue Depression Anger Loss of Self- Esteem Stress Muscle Tension Pain

Three Important Questions 1. Can osteoarthritis be prevented? 2. How is it diagnosed? 3.How can it be managed?