What Should You Know About Arthritis?

There are many forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Arthritis is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. There are many forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults. The CDC Arthritis Program is working to improve the quality of life for people affected by arthritis and other rheumatic conditions by working with states and other partners to increase awareness about appropriate arthritis self management activities and expanding the reach of programs proven to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis.

Women of all ages bear a disproportionate burden of arthritis and its impacts compared with men. Safe, effective interventions to prevent or delay arthritis impact, such as self-management education programs, physical activity, and weight management remain underused — meaning that people are missing opportunities to minimize arthritis impact.

By the year 2030, the number of people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitation will increase substantially in all but two states and the District of Columbia. There will be a median increase of 16% in 48 states, an increase of from 30% to 87% in 14 states, and more than a million new people affected each in California, Florida, and Texas.

In 2003, arthritis and other rheumatic conditions (AORC) cost the United States $127.8 billion ($80.8 billion in medical care expenditures and $47.0 billion in lost earnings), up from $86.2 billion in 1997. Total costs attributable to AORC in the states ranged from $225.5 million in the District of Columbia to $12.1 billion in California. Increasing physical activity, maintaining healthy weight, and expanding the use of self-management education among persons with AORC may help slow the rise in these costs and improve quality of life of persons with AORC.

Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, and medications (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis).

Dealing with the pain of arthritis is the hardest. There are many alternatives for people to try. Some people find relief from using a magnetic bracelet for arthritis and others use vitamins like msm and some people find that acupuncture works for them. We have useful articles and information on copper bracelets and cure for arthritis pain and other alternatives.

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