What is arthritis?
The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation, but the
term has acquired a wider meaning. In public
health, arthritis is used as a shorthand term for arthritis
and other rheumatic conditions—a label for the more than 100 rheumatic
diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which surround joints and other connective tissue. The pattern, severity, and location of
symptoms can vary depending on the specific form of the disease.
Typically, rheumatic conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints.
The symptoms can develop
gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the
immune system and various internal organs of the body.
A brief overview of the most common forms of arthritis are
discussed in the types section. For a more detailed discussion of each of these
conditions follow the links provided for you. The
Resources and Links section of our Web site can guide you to further
information on many topics related to rheumatic diseases.
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Who is at risk for arthritis?
Certain factors are associated with a greater risk of
arthritis. Some of these risk factors are modifiable while others are not.
Non-modifiable risk factors
- Age: The risk of developing most types of
arthritis increases with age.
- Gender: Most types of arthritis are
more common in women; 60% of the people with arthritis are women. Gout is more
common in men.
- Genetic: Specific genes are associated with a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and
ankylosing spondylitis.
Modifiable risk factors
- Overweight and Obesity: Excess weight can
contribute to both the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.
- Joint Injuries: Damage to a joint can
contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in that joint.
- Infection: Many microbial agents can infect
joints and potentially cause the development of various forms of
arthritis.
- Occupation: Certain occupations involving
repetitive knee bending and squatting are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
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What causes arthritis?
Elevated uric acid levels cause gout, and specific infections can cause
certain forms of arthritis. The causes of many of the other forms of arthritis
are unknown. Scientists are studying the role of factors such as genetics,
lifestyle, and environment in the various types of arthritis.
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What are the most common types of arthritis?
The most common form of arthritis in the Unites States is
osteoarthritis followed by gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
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What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The pattern and location of symptoms can vary depending on the type of
arthritis. Generally, people with arthritis feel pain and stiffness in and
around one or more joints. The onset of arthritis symptoms can develop
gradually or suddenly. Arthritis is most often a chronic disease, so
symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.
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What should I do if I think I have arthritis?
If you have pain, stiffness, or swelling in or around one or more of
your joints, talk to your doctor. It is important to keep in mind that
there are many forms of arthritis, and a specific diagnosis of the type you have
may help to direct the proper treatment. Although
there is no cure for most types of arthritis, early diagnosis and
appropriate management are important, especially for inflammatory types of
arthritis. For example, early use of disease-modifying drugs can affect
the course of rheumatoid arthritis. An early diagnosis and appropriate
treatment can make a difference in pain and joint damage. The earlier you
understand your arthritis, the earlier you can start managing your disease
and making healthy lifestyle changes to help your arthritis.
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Can I prevent arthritis?
Depending on the form of arthritis, there are steps that can be taken
to reduce your risk of arthritis. Maintaining an appropriate body weight
has been shown to decrease the risk of developing osteoarthritis and
gout. Protecting your joints from injuries or overuse can reduce the risk
of osteoarthritis.
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How is arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosing arthritis often requires a detailed medical history of
current and past symptoms, physical examination, x-rays, and blood work. It is possible to have more than one form
of arthritis at the same time.
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What are the treatments for arthritis?
The focus of treatment for arthritis is to control pain, minimize
joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, the treatment of
arthritis might involve the following:
- Medication
- Nonpharmacologic therapies
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Splints or joint assistive aids
- Patient education and support
- Weight loss
- Surgery
In conjunction with medical treatment, self-management of arthritis
symptoms is very important as well. The Arthritis Foundation Self Help
Program and the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, both developed by Dr. Kate Lorig of Stanford University,
are
effective self-management education programs. The program
helps people develop the skills needed to manage their arthritis on a day
to day basis and gain the confidence to carry it
out.
For management of specific types of arthritis, refer to the
types section.
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How can I manage arthritis pain?
Both medical treatment and self-management strategies are very
important. The Arthritis Foundation Self Help
Program and the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, both developed by Dr. Kate Lorig of Stanford University,
are
effective self-management education programs. These programs
help people learn the techniques needed to manage their arthritis on a day
to day basis and gain the confidence to carry it
out.
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What does the CDC recommend for people with
arthritis?
The CDC recommends the following:
Early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis, including
self-management activities, can help people with arthritis decrease pain,
improve function, stay productive, and lower health care costs. Key
self-management activities include the following:
Learn Arthritis Management Strategies—Learning techniques to reduce pain and
limitations can be beneficial to people with arthritis. Self-management education, such as the
Arthritis Foundation Self Help Program (AFSHP),
or the Chronic Disease Self Management Program (CDSMP) help you
learn the strategies and develop the confidence to manage your arthritis on a day to day
basis. For example, AFSHP has been shown to reduce pain even 4 years
after participating in the program.
Be Active—Research has shown that physical activity decreases
pain, improves function, and delays disability. Make sure you get at least
30 minutes of moderate physical activity 3 days a week. You can get
activity in 10-minute intervals.
Watch Your Weight—The prevalence of arthritis increases with
increasing weight. Research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight
reduces the risk of developing arthritis and may decrease disease
progression. A loss of just 11 pounds can decrease the occurrence
(incidence) of new knee osteoarthritis.
See Your Doctor—Although there is no cure for most types of
arthritis, early diagnosis and appropriate management are important,
especially for inflammatory types of arthritis. For example, early use of
disease-modifying drugs can affect the course of rheumatoid arthritis. If
you have symptoms of arthritis, see your doctor and begin appropriate
management of your condition.
Protect Your Joints—Joint injury can lead to osteoarthritis.
People who experience sports or occupational injuries or have jobs with
repetitive motions like repeated knee bending have more osteoarthritis.
Avoid joint injury to reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
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How many people in the United States have
arthritis?
Currently, an estimated 46 million Americans reported that their doctor
told them they had arthritis. As our nation’s population ages, the
prevalence is expected to increase.
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How many children have arthritis?
A new CDC study estimates that 294,000 U.S. children under age 18 (or
1 in 250 children) have been diagnosed with arthritis or another
rheumatologic condition. (Type data table
and state table.) Prior estimates ranged from 80,000 to 290,000, depending on the
definition of arthritis, age range and methods used to find cases.
However, many of these prior estimates were based on extrapolations from small studies
done in small geographic areas which could have led lead to chance
variation in estimates. More info.
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How can I find out more about the CDC Arthritis
Program?
Read about the program in the About Us section.
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Does my state have an arthritis program?
There are 12 states that have arthritis programs funded by the CDC.
Eight additional states have received funds to help make arthritis
appropriate interventions available.
Link to the map on the Web site that has the states highlighted.
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Is exercise recommended for people who have
arthritis?
Recent studies have shown that moderate physical activity 3 or more
days a week can help to relieve arthritis pain and stiffness and give you
more energy. Regular physical activity can also lift your mood and make
you feel more positive.
An activity that produces a slight increase in heart rate or breathing
is considered moderate physical activity. Low-impact activities performed
at a moderate pace work best for people with arthritis. These include
walking, swimming, and riding a bicycle. Everyday activities such as
dancing, gardening, and washing the car can be good if done at a moderate
pace that produces slight breathing and heart rate changes.
If you are having an acute flare-up of your inflammatory arthritis, it may
be better to restrict your exercise to simple range of motion (carefully
moving the joint as far as it can go) during the flare-up.
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How does body weight influence arthritis?
Weight control is essential; research suggests that maintaining a healthy
weight reduces the risk of developing osteoarthritis and may decrease disease
progression. A loss of just 11 pounds can decrease the occurrence
(incidence) of new knee osteoarthritis.
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