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• Thurston Fast Facts
  
• Impact of Arthritis
  
• Facts about Arthritis
  
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• FAQ
  

Facts About Arthritis

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• The term "arthritis" actually refers to a family of more than 100 rheumatic diseases. These diseases may affect not only the joints, but also other connective tissues of the body, including important supporting structures such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as the skin and certain internal organs.
  [National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2004]
• The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other common rheumatic conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia.
  [NIAMS, NIH, 2004]
• Common symptoms of arthritis include one or more of the following: swelling in one or more joints; constant or recurring pain or tenderness in a joint; warmth or redness in a joint; stiffness around the joints.
  [NIAMS, NIH, 2002]
• Arthritis affects all age groups, but it is more common as people get older. Among adults over age 65, 50% have arthritis.
  [Arthritis Foundation; [MMWR 2006;55(40):1089-1092. [Data Source: 2003-2005 NHIS]
• By age 85, 1 in 2 people will develop symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. This lifetime risk increases to 2 in 3 in those who are overweight or obese.
  [Arthritis Care and Research, 2008]
• Women are more likely to have arthritis than men (28.3% vs. 18.2%).
  [Arthritis Foundation - MMWR 2006;55(40):1089-1092.] [Data Source: 2003-2005 NHIS]
• A comprehensive treatment program may include exercise, weight loss, assistive devices, joint protection, medication, and surgery. Treatments depend on the form of arthritis and the needs of the individual.
  [NIAMS, NIH, 2004]
• Reactive arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs as a "reaction" to an infection elsewhere in the body. Inflammation is a characteristic reaction of tissues to injury or disease and is marked by swelling, redness, heat, and pain.
  [NIAMS, NIH, 2008]
• Non-modifiable risk factors include: gender, age and genetic predisposition.
  [North Carolina Medical Journal, winter 2007, page 417; Dr. Jordan, Dr. Callahan]
• Modifiable risk factors include: obesity, joint injuries, infections and certain occupations.
  [North Carolina Medical Journal, winter 2007, page 417; Dr. Jordan, Dr. Callahan]
• The pain and disability that accompany arthritis can be decreased or avoided through early diagnosis and appropriate management, including self-management activities such as weight control and physical activity.
  [CDC.com, 2008]

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