Arthritis: An Ageless Disease
Published January 13, 2010
Did you know that arthritis affects more that 46 million Americans in its chronic form, including 294,000 children? While the incidence of arthritis increases with age, nearly three of five sufferers are under age 65. By 2030 it is estimated that 67 million people will be affected and more than 19 million of them will be disabled.
It has been stated that people underestimate arthritis as a public and personal health problem because it doesn’t kill. What they don’t realize is that as Americans work they live longer. Arthritis has a better chance of affecting a person’s quality of life, eventually leading to disability. Arthritis disables more Americans than heart disease and stroke, and it’s what Americans don’t know about the disease that will hurt them.
Although the word “arthritis” literally means joint inflammation, the term usually refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the two most common forms of the disease – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis - have the greatest public health implications.
Awareness and early diagnosis and an aggressive treatment plan are key to stopping arthritis from taking over your life at any age. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there is help and hope. Most important is to seek treatment as soon as possible. A plan designed to address your special needs may include medications and appropriate exercise. You will also feel better if you learn as much as you can about your diagnosis, and make adjustments that will support a healthy life style. Support groups provide education and a forum for asking questions about exercise, nutrition and the latest on research in the field of arthritis.
One word of caution about alternative therapies: many arthritis patients become discouraged with typical medical treatments and turn to alternative remedies that have not been proven as safe or effective. Mixing alternative medications with prescription or over the counter drugs can be dangerous. Make the time to speak with your physician about other available treatments before trying something that could be harmful.
For information about the Hunterdon Medical Center Arthritis & Osteoporosis Support Group, call The Hunterdon Center for Healthy Aging at (908) 788-6373. The group meets the second Monday at 1:00 PM at Hunterdon Medical Center.