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Section 2: Focus on Arthritis

Facts about Arthritis

Arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions are the leading cause of disability in the United States today. In fact, arthritis is the most common reason adults between the ages 40 and 75 give for limitations in their physical activities and restrictions in their activities of daily life.

Arthritis is a potentially disabling condition for anyone with one of the many forms of this disease, but its impact on people living in rural communities is often even more severe than on those in urban settings. Because of the physical nature of farm/ranch work and activities of daily life in the agricultural environment, people with arthritis face major challenges both on the job and at home.

Definition of Arthritis

Arthritis is a disorder of the joints that connect the bones of the body. The name arthritis means joint inflammation or swelling. Joints are located wherever two or more bones meet. Cartilage and a lubricating fluid form a smooth gliding surface for the bones of the joint. Ligaments hold the joints together.
When joints become injured or diseased, they swell. Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s defense system. It is a natural reaction to injury and it causes swelling, pain, and redness. Decreased motion in the affected area results.

With arthritis, inflammation becomes part of the problem. It causes tissue damage that the body tries to handle by creating more inflammation. This painful cycle of destruction changes the bones and other joint tissues and limits their function.

Types of Arthritis

Over 100 types of arthritis affect the joints and connective tissues of the body. Each type of arthritis has different symptoms and patterns and each requires different treatments. Arthritis comprises a variety of diseases and conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, childhood arthritis, gout, bursitis, Lyme arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Cause Unknown
The cause(s) of arthritis is unknown, however, clues to its origin are being uncovered. Researchers are currently studying the role that genetics, lifestyle, and significant lifetime events play in certain types of arthritis. Some evidence shows that people with particular gene types are prone to specific forms of arthritis. Also, certain infections seem to trigger the onset of arthritis.

Arthritis Statistics

Arthritis Statistics for the United States as reported on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

• Arthritis is the leading cause of chronic disability¹.
• Almost 43 million Americans —one in six people— have some type of arthritis².
• Arthritis affects people of all ages.
• An estimated 60 million people will have arthritis by 2002².
• More older than younger, more rural than urban, and more poorly educated/low- income than highly educated/high-income individuals have arthritis².
• Prevalence of arthritis increases after age 45².
• Two-thirds of all Americans with arthritis are women—that is 23 million women².
• Juvenile arthritis affects about 285,000 children.
• Rates of arthritis are 15.2% among whites, 15.5% among blacks, 7.3% among Asian/ Pacific Islanders, and 11.3% among Hispanics².
• Rates of arthritis among people in the northeast and western regions of the U.S. are lower than those among other regions².

Warning Signs

Consult a doctor if any of these symptoms in or around a joint lasts for more than two weeks.

1. Swelling in one or more joints.
2. Stiffness around a joint that lasts for at least 1 hour in the early morning.
3. Constant or recurring pain or tenderness in a joint.
4. Difficulty using or moving a joint normally.
5. Warmth and redness in a joint.

Some forms of arthritis go through cycles of getting better and worse. A flare-up means the disease is more active. During this time, a person experiences increased morning stiffness, pain and swelling in the joints, tiredness and fatigue, and involvement of new joints. Flare-ups can occur after eating a specific food. Milk is the most common offender. Other foods that have been known to cause flare-ups are shrimp, wheat products, and certain meats.

Treatment

For a person with arthritis, early diagnosis and regular review of the treatment options with a doctor are important. The doctor should be notified if a treatment plan is not working.
Treatment for most forms of arthritis falls in at least one of these categories:

• medication,
• exercise,
• application of heat or cold to joints,
• pacing/rest,
• protecting joints from stress,
• assistive devices,
• self-help skills like mental/biofeedback exercises, and
• surgery.
  

Although some people have reported that massage, diet, and acupuncture has lessened or alleviated pain, and reduced symptoms, scientific studies have not yet confirmed a clear role for these modes of treatment. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, two nutritional supplements, have received a good deal of press over the past few years regarding their ability to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.

The team captain

Although a treatment plan for a specific person with arthritis may involve a team of health care professionals, the person with arthritis should be the team captain. Since each type of arthritis has different symptoms and treatments, the person with arthritis should take an active role in seeking information, working with health care professionals, and sharing in the decision-making responsibilities.

According to the staff at the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC), research has shown that individuals who play an active role in their health care plan report less pain, make fewer doctor visits, and enjoy a better quality of life.

For more information, contact:

This information is provided for educational purposes only. You should consult a qualified health care provider if you have a question about your particular medical condition.