Introduction to Arthritis. What You Will Learn Facts about arthritis What you can do about 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

Degenerative Arthritis

PrimaryNo obvious reasonInherited tendency

SecondaryPrior injury

Inflammatory Arthritis

Genes Inherited tendency

Trigger Viral infection

Environmental factor

Risk Factors

InflammatoryArthritis

AgeFamily History

Gender (female)Smoking

DegenerativeArthritis

AgeFamily HistoryExcess WeightJoint InjuryOther Types of Arthritis

Diagnosing Arthritis

InflammatoryArthritis

Personal Medical HistoryFamily History

Joint ExaminationBlood Tests

X-Rays

DegenerativeArthritis

Personal Medical HistoryFamily HistoryJoint ExaminationOther Types Ruled OutX-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 energyREDUCE the risk of many health problems

Benefits of Physical Activity

Improves pain controlDecreases stiffness

Increases energyImproves 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 ArthritisChronic Pain ManagementArthritis Self-Management Program

Arthritis Information Line1.800.321.1433www.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 MissionThe Arthritis Society provides leadership and funding for research, advocacy, and solutions to improve the quality of life for Canadians affected by arthritis.

Our VisionLiving well while creating a future

without arthritis.

How You Can Get Involved

VolunteerDonate

Raise awarenessParticipate

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 3J1905-455-6273 www.arthritis.ca

Arthritis Information Line1.800.321.1433

www.arthritis.ca