introduction to arthritis. what you will learn facts about arthritis what you can do about arthritis...
TRANSCRIPT
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