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Questions And Answers About Arthritis And Rheumatic Diseases
Basic questions about arthritis and rheumatic diseases. The National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has other fact sheets and
booklets that provide more information about specific forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.
If you have further questions after reading this information, you may wish to discuss them with your doctor.
What Is Arthritis and What Are Rheumatic Diseases?
Arthritis
literally means joint inflammation. Although joint inflammation
describes a symptom or sign rather than a specific diagnosis, the term "arthritis"
is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. These
disorders fall within the broader category of rheumatic diseases. These
are diseases characterized by inflammation (signs include redness or
heat, swelling, and symptoms such as pain) and loss
of function of one or more connecting or supporting structures of the
body. These diseases especially affect joints, tendons, ligaments,
bones, and muscles. Common signs and symptoms are pain, swelling, and
stiffness. Some rheumatic diseases also can involve internal organs.
There are more than 100 rheumatic diseases. Some are described as
connective tissue diseases because they affect the supporting framework
of the body and its internal organs. Others are known as autoimmune
diseases because they occur when the immune system, which normally
protects the body from infection and disease, harms the body's own
healthy tissues. Throughout this booklet, the terms "arthritis" and "rheumatic diseases" are used interchangeably.
The burden of arthritis in the United States is enormous. More than 46 million people in the United States have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. Adults with arthritis
and other rheumatic conditions incurred mean medical care expenditures
of $6,978 in 2003, of which $1,635 was for prescriptions. Expenditures
for adults with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions totaled $321.8 billion in 2003. Persons age 18 to 64 with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions earned $3,613 less than other persons. Of this amount, $1,590 in lost wages was attributable to arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.
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How Can The Family Help A Child Live Well With Juvenile Arthritis
... depending on the joints involved. Once the flare is over, the child can start regular activities again. Swimming is particularly useful because it uses many joints and muscles without putting weight on the joints. A doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises and activities. What Are Researchers ...
... following: * Walking can result in better functioning, and the more you walk, the farther you will be able to walk. * People with knee osteoarthritis who are active in an exercise program feel less pain. They also function better. Research has shown that losing extra weight can help people who already ...
... "Arthritis" means joint inflammation. This term refers to a group of diseases that cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of motion in the joints. Arthritis is also used more generally to describe the more than 100 rheumatic diseases that may affect the joints but can also cause pain, swelling, and ...
What Causes Juvenile Arthritis
... autoimmune disorders, which means that the body's immune system - which normally helps to fight off bacteria or viruses - mistakenly attacks some of its own healthy cells and tissues. The result is inflammation, marked by redness, heat, pain, and swelling. Inflammation can cause joint damage. Doctors ...
What Are Some Examples Of Rheumatic Diseases
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... example, rheumatoid arthritis generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern, meaning that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one also is. The disease often affects the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the hand. It can also affect other parts of the body besides the joints. (See"Other ...
How Do Doctors Diagnose Osteoarthritis
... many people, surgery helps relieve the pain and disability of osteoarthritis. Surgery may be performed to achieve one or more of the following: * removal of loose pieces of bone and cartilage from the joint if they are causing symptoms of buckling or locking * repositioning of bones * resurfacing (smoothing ...
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... this, you may wish to discuss them with your doctor. What Is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis (AH-stee-oh-ar-THREYE-tis) is the most common type of arthritis, and is seen especially among older people. Sometimes it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis. Osteoarthritis mostly affects cartilage ...
... understand the disease * reduce pain while remaining active * cope physically, emotionally, and mentally * have greater control over the disease * build confidence in their ability to live an active, independent life. end box here 2. Stay active: Regular physical activity plays a key role in self-care ...
What Is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
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Osteoarthritis Basics The Joint And Its Parts
... Sometimes, however, they release substances called enzymes that destroy collagen and other proteins. Researchers are trying to learn more about chondrocytes. end box here* How Do You Know if You Have Osteoarthritis? Usually, osteoarthritis comes on slowly. Early in the disease, your joints may ache after ...
... care of their children and their family. Others think that you just have to accept things like arthritis. It's true that arthritis can be painful. But there are things you can do to feel better. This booklet tells you some facts about arthritis and gives you some ideas about what to do, so you can keep ...