What is arthritis?
Arthritis literally means "inflammation of a joint". According to Arthritis New Zealand, more than one million New Zealanders will be affected by arthritis at some time in their life. The work of Arthritis New Zealand covers many of the inflammatory conditions which affect the spine, muscles, tendons and bones, as well as the joints. There are actually more than 140 recognised forms of arthritis. However, most people affected by arthritis have one or two common types.
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually starts to make its presence felt in the fifties age group with pain and stiffness in the joints. Slightly more women than men get osteoarthritis. It involves the breakdown of the protective cushion of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones, where two bones meet to form a joint. It does not usually cause severe disability but in some cases it can cause serious damage and early diagnosis and treatment is essential.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 55. Three times as many women as men are affected. If not properly treated, rheumatoid inflammation can progressively damage joints and cause joint deformities. Almost any joint can be affected. The most common are the wrists, fingers, feet and knees. As an autoimmmune condition, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other systems of the body.
Other types of arthritis
The other types of arthritis include:
Arthritis can also be associated with conditions such as accidental or sports injuries to muscles, bones and joints, backache, sciatica, lumbago, whiplash injury and fibromyalgia.
Arthritis is a painful and unpredictable disease. It can be frustrating to live with and sometimes leads to depression. Arthritis New Zealand is there to help you deal with the effects of arthritis.
Who are the main people at risk from arthritis?
While anyone can be affected by arthritis at any stage of life, there are four groups especially at risk: children, women, older people and sports people.
Children
Around 1 child in 1000 is affected by a form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It usually begins between one and four or between 10 and 13. It's not contagious so you can't catch it from anyone or give it to someone else.
Arthritis New Zealand, through field officers and volunteers, provides support to children and families affected. It helps young people to get to know others with arthritis, to share experiences and make friendships. It also organises fun activities such as youth forums, outings, and adventure camps.
Women
More women than men get arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. This tends to begin in young or middle-aged women. The pain and fatigue often lead to anger and doubts about coping with the demands of family life and careers.
Arthritis New Zealand helps many women continue normal and satisfying lives through understanding of their condition; learning management techniques; belonging to support and exercise groups; and developing self-advocacy skills to ensure they are getting the health and disability support services they need.
Many women with arthritis worry about joint deformity. Most can be reassured that with proper care and treatment the risk of deformity can be lessened.
Older people
Many people are affected by arthritis as they grow older. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a reasonable weight are important to help prevent loss of mobility. There are many special gadgets available like tap turners, and homes can be adapted for those who have difficulty with everyday tasks.
With a little help from family, friends and Arthritis New Zealand, most older people can continue to lead fulfilled lives.
Sports people
Injuries from contact sports and other very physical sports are more likely to lead to osteoarthritis. Arthritis New Zealand helps promote prompt and proper care of sports injuries to lessen this risk, and also raises awareness about the connection between sports injuries and arthritis.
Factors predisposing to arthritis
- family history of arthritis
- being female
- older age group
- having worked in heavy physical job
- joint injury or joint infection
- being very overweight (obese).
Symptoms to watch for
- pain and stiffness in one or more joints
- early morning stiffness in one or more joints
- recurring pain, tenderness or swelling in one or more joints
- overall aching, joint stiffness, and fatigue
- muscle weakness associated with joint stiffness
- difficulty doing daily tasks.
If you or your child has any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor.
Original material supplied by Arthritis New Zealand. Reviewed by everybody, July 2005.
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