Article Summary:
The term arthritis refers to about 120 different diseases that can affect the joints, muscles and other soft tissues. The three most common forms are osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease,
Article Content:
What is arthritis?
The term arthritis refers to about 120 different diseases that can affect the joints, muscles and other soft tissues. The three most common forms are osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis, affecting an estimated 21 million adults in this country. Commonly referred to as a “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis involves destruction of the cartilage, the cushion or shock absorber on the ends of the bones.
Fibromyalgia is a disease that causes pain and stiffness in the tissues that support and move the bones and joints. It is a common disease that affects approximately 2% of the U.S. population or about 5 million individuals. Widespread pain and localized tender points occur in the muscles and tendons especially those of the neck, spine, shoulders and hips. Other common symptoms include significant fatigue, difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbance.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that mainly affects the lining of the joint. An important feature of this inflammatory illness is that the body’s own immune system targets its own tissue as an enemy. Joint swelling over a long period of time can lead to deformity and loss of function in the joint. Because rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire body, many individuals also experience fatigue, fever and a general sense of feeling unwell. Rheumatoid arthritis affects over 2 million U.S. citizens.
Other types of arthritis include gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile arthritis, scleroderma, infectious arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
How Common is Arthritis?
Arthritis can affect individuals of all ages, including children.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of arthritis can include pain, swelling and stiffness in joints or the inability to move a joint normally. In some types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, joints can become red, warm, swollen and painful, and the person can feel “sick all over.” Other symptoms are unexplained fever, fatigue, weight loss and swollen lymph glands. Symptoms typically last more than two weeks.
Who is at risk?
Non-modifiable risk factors are those that cannot be prevented or changed. They are:
When should you get help?
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are very important in managing arthritis. Physicians now believe that damage to bones begins within the first two years that a person has the disease. Early diagnosis can decrease symptoms and long-term complications. A person should see a healthcare professional if symptoms of pain or swelling in multiple joints on both sides of the body develop.
More information about arthritis can be obtained by contacting:
National Women’s Health Information Center
800-994-9662
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
301-496-4484
www.niams.nih.gov
National Institute on Aging
800-222-2225
www.nih.gov/nia
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