Transcript Introduction to Arthritis
Introduction to Arthritis
What You Will Learn
• Facts about arthritis • What you can do about arthritis • How The Arthritis Society can help • How you can get involved
Facts and Figures of Arthritis
• Most common chronic disease in Canada • Affects one in six Canadians • Number one cause of long-term disability in Canada • Two-thirds more women are affected than men • More than 100 types of arthritis • There is NO CURE for arthritis • By 2026, more than six million Canadians will be diagnosed with arthritis
Arthritis Information Arthritis means inflammation of a joint.
Symptoms include: • Pain • Stiffness • Swelling • Difficulty moving a joint • Irreversible joint damage
Categories There are two main categories of arthritis:
• Inflammatory arthritis • Degenerative arthritis
Inflammatory Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis most common type • Autoimmune disease • Extreme fatigue • Unusual stiffness • Pain and swelling • Restricted movement
Degenerative Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis • Affects one in 10 people • Degeneration of cartilage • Pain and stiffness • Decreased range of motion • Increased functional difficulties • X-ray changes are visible
Why People Get Arthritis Inflammatory Arthritis Degenerative Arthritis Genes
Inherited tendency
Primary
No obvious reason Inherited tendency
Trigger
Viral infection Environmental factor
Secondary
Prior injury
Risk Factors Inflammatory Arthritis
Age Family History Gender (female) Smoking
Degenerative Arthritis
Age Family History Excess Weight Joint Injury Other Types of Arthritis
Diagnosing Arthritis Inflammatory Arthritis
Personal Medical History Family History Joint Examination Blood Tests X-Rays
Degenerative Arthritis
Personal Medical History Family History Joint Examination Other Types Ruled Out X-Rays
Diagnosing Arthritis
It is important to diagnose arthritis early in order to
prevent or
delay disability.
Early Warning Signs If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms for more than six weeks, see a doctor.
• Joint pain • Joint stiffness (especially in the a.m. upon waking) • Occasional swelling of any joint • Difficulty moving a joint • Pain that interferes with your work/daily activities
Managing Arthritis
The more you know about your disease, the better you will feel…
Managing arthritis includes:
• • • • • Medication Nutrition Physical Activity Daily-living Adjustments Health-care Supports
Nutrition
Healthy eating habits… IMPROVE energy REDUCE the risk of many health problems
Benefits of Physical Activity
Improves pain control Decreases stiffness Increases energy Improves function
Types of Activity
Conserving Energy Balance activity with rest
– Rest periods are important – Let muscles and joints re-energize – Enable you to do more
To conserve energy
– Plan ahead – Do what is most important first – Get help from others – Protect your joints – Practice relaxation techniques
Helpful Devices
Arthritis Friendly Products
The Arthritis Society Education and Services
Introduction to Arthritis Chronic Pain Management Arthritis Self-Management Program Arthritis Information Line 1.800.321.1433
www.arthritis.ca
The Arthritis Society
Canada’s principle health charity for arthritis $175 million invested in arthritis research for better treatments and a cure
Our Mission
The Arthritis Society provides leadership and funding for research, advocacy, and solutions to improve the quality of life for Canadians affected by arthritis.
Our Vision
Living well while creating a future without arthritis.
How You Can Get Involved
Volunteer Donate Raise awareness Participate
The Walk to Fight Arthritis Sunday June 10, 2012 Walk Start 11:00 Mississauga Valley Park – 1275 Mississauga Valley Blvd. www.walktofightarthritis.ca
Regional Contact Information
Peel and Halton Region Office 214-40 Finchgate Blvd.
Brampton, ON L6T 3J1 905-455-6273 www.arthritis.ca