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Arthritis
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Contact Information:

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Division of Adult and Community Health
Health Care and Aging Studies Branch

Arthritis Program
Mailstop K-51
4770 Buford Highway NE
Atlanta, GA 30341-3724
Phone: 770.488.5464
Fax: 770.488.5964
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Arthritis Basics


Arthritis Basics

bullet Arthritis Types — Overview
bullet Management
bullet Risk Factors
bullet Key Public Health Messages
bullet Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

See Also:
bullet Quick Stats
bullet Arthritis: At A Glance


Arthritis Types — Overview

The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation. The term arthritis is used to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which surround the joint 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 will be discussed in this section. Whenever possible, the format for each arthritis type overview will include the following sections: background, prevalence (the number of people affected now), incidence (the number of new people affected in a given time period), mortality, hospitalizations, ambulatory care data (office, hospital outpatient, and emergency department visits), cost (direct and indirect where available), impact on quality of life and unique characteristics (such as transient nature, post infectious, etc.). References and resources for further information are provided at the end of each overview.

The Resources and Links section of our Web site can guide you to further information on many topics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page last reviewed: June 8, 2008
Page last modified: January 11, 2008
Content Source: Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion



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