Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis is a term used to describe and group chronic conditions characterized by inflammation in the joints and other body regions and is characterized with pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.

Quick Facts

There are around 200 types of arthritis, for example:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Inflammatory Arthritis
• Juvenile Arthritis
• Gout
• Lupus

Risk Factors

• Risks of arthritis increase with age.
• More common among women.
• 1 in 5 Canadians have arthritis.
• 1 in 2 adults over the age of 65 have arthritis.
• It does affect children, it is NOT just a disease for the aging population.
• As difficult as it may sound, physical activity often has a positive effect on many types of arthritis.
• Causes of arthritis may include injury, genetics, infections, immune system dysfunctions and even abnormal metabolism.

Complexity of Symptoms

Symptoms generally involve stiffness, and may not make you want to move, along with other condition-specific symptoms depending on the type of arthritis. However, immobility will often make you stiffer.

Other symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain/tenderness/swelling/redness/warmth, loss of joint range of motion

Impact on Life

Unfortunately an arthritis medical diagnosis is with you for life. Arthritis’ impact on your day-to-day life will heavily depend on your attitude, choices, and willingness to learn more about the condition, and how you will manage it.  With the right information, successful supports, and the right treatment plan & team, you can take charge of your life.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis often includes such medical investigations and tests, such as blood work analysis, x-rays, other imaging, after a thorough medical history and physical examination.

Treatment

Treatment can involve an array of options & health care professionals, which all share common goals to control pain, minimize potential joint damage, as well as improve joint and body movement and function. You can help yourself the most!

Treatment may involve any of the following:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Massage Therapy
• Patient education and support
• Medications
• Surgery

Resources & Support Groups

Since arthritis is so prevalent in our society, there are many resources and support groups out there to help you & others know more and take control of your own care!

• Arthritis Society of Canada
  • Did you know that if you have been diagnosed and have OHIP coverage your sessions with a physiotherapist are covered?
  • https://www.arthritis.ca/
• Arthritis Alliance of Canada
  • With more than 35 member organizations, the AAC brings together arthritis health care professionals, researchers, funding agencies, governments, voluntary sector agencies, industry and, most importantly, representatives from arthritis consumer organizations from across Canada.
  • http://www.arthritisalliance.ca/en/
• Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance
  • Many resources for other Canadian resources
  • http://www.arthritispatient.ca/information-resources/arthriti/

References:

https://www.arthritis.ca/

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2015001/article/14178-eng.htm