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Definition
Although the word arthritis actually means joint inflammation, we use the term arthritis in the public health world 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.
suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body.
Arthritis Types
A brief overview of the most common forms of arthritis will be discussed in this section. Whenever possible, the format for each 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.
- Childhood Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- General
- Gout
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus)
Risk Factors
Certain factors have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of arthritis. Some of these risk factors are modifiable while others are not.
Certain factors have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of arthritis. Some of these risk factors are modifiable while others are not.
Non-modifiable risk factors
- Age: The risk of developing most types of arthritis increases with age.
- Gender: Most types of arthritis are more common in women; 60% of all people with arthritis are women. Gout is more common in men.
- Genetic: Specific genes are associated with a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Age: The risk of developing most types of arthritis increases with age.
- Gender: Most types of arthritis are more common in women; 60% of all people with arthritis are women. Gout is more common in men.
- Genetic: Specific genes are associated with a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), and ankylosing spondylitis.
Modifiable risk factors
- Overweight and Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to both the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.
- Joint Injuries: Damage to a joint can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in that joint.
- Infection: Many microbial agents can infect joints and potentially cause the development of various forms of arthritis.
- Occupation: Certain occupations involving repetitive knee bending and squatting are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Overweight and Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to both the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.
- Joint Injuries: Damage to a joint can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in that joint.
- Infection: Many microbial agents can infect joints and potentially cause the development of various forms of arthritis.
- Occupation: Certain occupations involving repetitive knee bending and squatting are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Management
The focus of treatment for arthritis is to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life. According to the American College of Rheumatology, the treatment of arthritis might involve the following:
- Medications
- Nonpharmacologic therapies
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Splints or joint assistive aids
- Patient education and support
- Weight loss
- Surgery
In conjunction with medical treatment, self-management of arthritis symptoms is very important as well.
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