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Arthritis
Arthritis encompasses more than 120 diseases and conditions that affect joints, the surrounding tissues and other connective tissues causing pain, swelling and stiffness.
Arthritis affects nearly one out of every six Americans making it one of the most common diseases in the United States. The most common type of arthritis is Osteoarthritis. The second most common type of arthritis is Rheumatoid.
Visit the Arthritis Foundation website to learn more about the different types of Arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) usually affects people after middle age and is characterized by gradual loss of cartilage of the joints. Unlike some other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects only joints and not internal organs. Some younger people get Osteoarthritis from joint injuries, but Osteoarthritis most often occurs in older people.
Visit the Medline Plus website to learn more about Osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic condition that can result in weakness, loss of mobility, and eventual destruction and deformity of the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis affects other parts of the body besides the joints. It begins at a younger age than Osteoarthritis, causes swelling and redness in joints, and may make people feel sick, tired, and (uncommonly) feverish.
For more information on Rheumatoid Arthritis visit the Arthritis Foundation.
Juvenile Arthritis
About one child in every 1,000 develops some type of juvenile arthritis. These disorders can affect children at any age, although they are uncommon in the first six months of life. There are various types of childhood arthritis, which can last from several months to many years.
The most common type is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. All cause joint inflammation and begin before the age of 16, but otherwise are often associated with distinct symptoms and complications and may require different approaches to treatment. In spite of their diagnosis, most children with arthritis can expect to live normal lives.
For more information on Juvenile Arthritis visit the Arthritis Foundation.
Causes of Arthritis
As you get older your joints naturally degenerate over time. Arthritis is one of the most pervasive diseases in the U.S. and is the leading cause of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one out of every three Americans (an estimated 70 million people) is affected by one of the more than 100 types of arthritis. Your doctor can tell if you have arthritis through blood tests and x-rays. He or she will then be able to help you decide on the best treatment for you.
Common Symptoms of Arthritis
- Joint pain
- Inflammation
- Limited movement of joints
- Stiffness
Assess Your Risk for Arthritis on the Arthritis Foundation website.
Assess Your Symptoms of Arthritis on the Arthritis Foundation website.
Tips to Prevent Arthritis
A common myth is that arthritis is an old person’s disease and happens naturally with aging. Some types of arthritis such as Osteoarthritis can be prevented with weight control and by avoiding certain occupational and sports injuries. Visit the Medline Plus website to learn more about sports related injuries.
Manage Your Arthritis
Finding out you have arthritis can be disheartening. You should know that a diagnosis of arthritis does not have to signal an end to the activities you enjoy. From exercise to lifestyle changes, discover strategies for improving your physical and mental well being while coping with arthritis.
The pain and disability accompanying all types of arthritis can be minimized through:
Order Free Arthritis Brochure
Related Links
Visit our Related Links web page for more information on arthritis.
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