1. Co-Residing With Arthritis
Janice M. Park, Ph.D.
Gerontology Specialist

2. What is Arthritis?

3. What’s in a name? The Greek word “arth” means joint and “itis” means inflammation. Joint inflammation -- “problems with a joint”.

4. Osteoarthritis is the Most Common Form of Arthritis

5. Rheumatoid Arthritis

6. Fibromyalgia Second Most Common Reason for Seeing a Rheumatologist

7. Common Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Generalized pain
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Fatigue
Bladder Irritability
Insomnia
Numbness and Tingling in Extremities
Headaches
Non-restorative Sleep
Circulatory Problems
Cold Intolerance

8. Morning Stiffness

9. What are the risk factors for getting arthritis?
Age
Sex
Genetics
Injury
Overweight
Smoking

10. When should you visit your doctor for all those aches and pains?
Swelling in one or more joints.
Early morning stiffness.
Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint.
Inability to move a joint normally.
Obvious redness and warmth in a joint.
Unexplained weight loss, fever or weakness combined with joint pain.
Symptoms that last more than two weeks.

11. Learn About Your Illness

12. Six Steps to Living With Arthritis
Choose positive activities.
Laugh.
Learn about your particular type of arthritis.
Partner with medical advisors.
Build a support system.
Set goals.

13. Prevent Disability
Improve your ability.
Make the task easier.

14. Keep Osteoarthritis From Becoming A Disability
Exercise
Protect Joints
Control Weight
Good Nutrition
Join a Support Group
Medications
Assistive Devices