• All age groups are affected by arthritis including nearly 300,000 children.
• Today's baby boomers are now a prime target for arthritis as more than half of those affected are under age 65.
• The term "arthritis" actually encompasses more than 100 different diseases that affect areas in or around joints.

Osteoarthritis
One of the oldest and most prevalent forms of arthritis affecting an estimated 21 million Americans.

• Characterized by the degeneration of the cartilage which covers the end of the bone joints, causing a bone-on-bone friction resulting in pain, loss of mobility, and stiffness.
• The cause and cure for the condition are unknown despite the fact that it is a long-recognized and common condition.

Fibromyalgia
A chronic syndrome affecting 3% to 6% of the general population, most prevalent in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50; however, onset can occur in childhood.

• Characterized as a disease involving pain in muscles or joints with no clinical signs of infection.
• More females than males are affected, with a ratio of 9:1 by ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria.
• Studied since the early 1800s and referred to by a variety of former names, more recently labeled as Fibromyalgia and recognized by the AMA in 1987 as a true illness and cause of disability.
• Because fibromyalgia does not result in inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles, or other tissues, it is not truly a form of arthritis, but rather is considered an arthritis-related condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
A chronic disease, mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. Affecting 1 percent of the U.S. population or 2.1 million Americans, it can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progresses in three stages.

• Stage one involves the swelling of the synovial lining. This causes pain, warmth, stiffness, redness and swelling around the joint.
• Stage two occurs with the rapid division and growth of cells, or pannus, which causes the synovium to thicken.
• Stage three is where the inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage. This will often cause the involved joint to lose its shape and alignment, cause more pain, and bring loss of movement.
• New drugs, exercise, joint protection techniques and self-management techniques make it easier than ever before to control RA even though there is no cure.

Cause of Arthritis
It is suspected by researchers that some forms of arthritis have genetic links but that does not necessarily mean that you will develop it if one of your relatives is affected. Aside from genetics, there are other "triggers" that can lead to someone having arthritis; and many forms of arthritis are not fully understood as to what their causes may be.

Arthritic Hips
Cartilage normally cushions the area surrounding the hip ball and socket. This cushioning allows an easy, gliding movement of the joint with no pain. With the degeneration caused by arthritis, the cartilage becomes damaged or worn away causing the bones of the joint to rub bone-on-bone producing pain in the joint.

Arthritic Knees
Cartilage in a healthy knee is the protection and cushion on the bone surfaces that meet at the joint. This allows the knee to function smoothly, without friction or pain. A knee that has suffered from arthritis often results in cartilage that is damaged or worn causing the bone-on-bone pain prevalent in arthritic knees.

Arthritis Symptoms
There are great variations in the symptoms for the more than 100 forms of arthritis.

• The pain resulting from arthritis can be continual or intermittent.
• The pain may be more prevalent after an activity or exercise but may also occur following a period of rest or inactivity.
• The pain may be centrally located in just one spot or may be dispersed throughout the body.
• Joints of the body may feel immobile and stiff.
• Activities of daily living may be limited and difficult to perform.
• Pain may be more prevalent at a certain time of day or following certain activities.
• Swelling or inflammation with swollen, red, or hot spots over joint areas may occur.
• Fatigue may be experienced.

Arthritis Diagnosis
In order to reduce and prevent damage to the joints, early detection and a custom treatment plan for the affected individual is a must. An accurate diagnosis of arthritis and its type can only be performed by a healthcare professional. Diagnosis is determined through examination of the pattern of symptoms, review of the patient's medical history, a physical exam, x-rays, and other lab tests.

Arthritis Treatment
With so many different types of arthritis, equally there are many different treatments for the condition. Oftentimes, a combination of treatments is most effective in treating arthritis. A variance of treatment over time may be in order as well as a variance depending on the type of arthritis being treated. Individuals affected by arthritis should seek the diagnosis and advice of a healthcare professional in order to attain the best treatment options for their condition.

Medication: Both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are commonly used to treat arthritis. Frequently used medications include:

• analgesics
• biologic response modifiers (BRMs)
• corticosteroids
• disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Exercise: You can improve your overall health and fitness through exercise, as well as ease your arthritis symptoms. Exercise can:

• improve joint mobility
• strengthen the muscles around the joints
• improve your ability to perform daily activities
• maintain bone strength and health
• increase your general health and fitness, providing an increase in energy, improvement in sleep, help with weight control, a stronger heart, and improvement in self-esteem and feelings of well-being.

Hot or Cold Applications: Applying moist heat or cold packs may provide temporary relief of minor arthritis symptoms.

Activity Variations and Pacing: Through variations of active and passive activities and by pacing activities, an individual may minimize the pain and strain of arthritis symptoms. Symptoms are minimized by:

• varying activities throughout the day to refrain from sitting in one position or engaging in too much repetitive activity at one time
• establishing priorities and pacing activities. Tasks that must be done should be made a priority and accomplished when the individual is feeling strongest and the most energetic.

Joint Protection: Protection of joints can be achieved by altering their use in ways that provide the least stress. When joints are sore or weak, they should be rested and used minimally. Larger joints should be utilized when carrying heavy items, unless they are sore at the time. Assistive devices, such as canes or walking sticks, may be utilized to help support walking activities. Practicing weight control will also reduce the stress on joints.

Self-Help Skills: Learning ways to better manage arthritis is possible by conversing with others about your feelings and concerns about arthritis, performing mental exercises, and by joining a local arthritis support group.

Surgery: Surgery provides a treatment option that may eliminate pain when other treatments have failed or in very advanced or severe cases of arthritis.

Web Sites: Many articles and an abundance of patient education information about arthritis is available on the web...in particular, The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) contain helpful information.

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