It's estimated that as many as 70 million people in this country have some type of arthritis or joint inflammation. It is a major cause of lost work time and serious disability. And although arthritis is mainly a disease of adults, children can also have it. Nearly two thirds of the people with this disease are younger than 65. Arthritis can affect young and old of all racial and ethnic groups; however, it is more common among women and older Americans. Arthritis can limit activities for millions of Americans and the disability it can cause creates huge costs for individuals, their families, and the nation.

The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation. It may affect not only the joints, but also other parts of the body, including important supporting structures such as muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments, as well as some internal organs.

Making a diagnosis of arthritis often includes evaluation of the symptoms, a physician examination, and x-rays, blood tests and other laboratory tests that may help the physician determine if arthritis is the problem. Although medical science has not yet discovered a cure, there are many ways to relieve the effects in order to live a more normal lifestyle.

Arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that affect joints and connective tissue throughout the body. It is usually chronic, meaning that it lasts a lifetime. While specific causes are not known, there are three more common forms:

• Osteoarthritis


• Fibromyalgia


• Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are a number of treatments that can be done to reduce the impact of arthritis on everyday life. The key is early diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to individual needs. Fortunately, there are effective ways to not only prevent arthritis, but also to reduce the symptoms, lessen the disability, and improve the quality of life. These include:

• Weight control and injury prevention measures can lower the risk of osteoarthritis.


• The pain and disability that can accompany arthritis can be decreased through early diagnosis and appropriate management, including self-management activities such as weight control and physical activity.


• Self-management education programs are also effective in reducing both pain and costs.

Researchers continue to make progress in finding the underlying causes for the major types of arthritis. In the meantime, physicians are working to develop more effective treatments.

Exercise programs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and weight reduction for obese persons are common measures to reduce pain, stiffness, and improve function.

In persons with severe cases of arthritis, orthopedic surgery can often provide dramatic pain relief and restore lost joint function. A total joint replacement, for example, can usually enable a person with severe arthritis in the hip or the knee to walk without pain or stiffness.

Things You Can Do to Manage Arthritis:

• Eat a healthy diet


• Get 8 to 10 hours of sleep at night


• Keep a daily diary of pain and mood changes to share with your physician


• Choose a caring physician


• Join a support group


• Stay informed about new research on managing arthritis.