Osteoarthritis affects millions of Americans, and as we get older we're ALL at some risk of developing the disease. Sounds like something you want to be informed about, right? Don't delay -- test your knowledge of osteoarthritis here.
Arthritis is a disease affecting only old people.
True
False
False.Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are often mistakenly associated with old age, because osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) occurs more often among older persons. However, arthritis affects people of all ages. In fact, more than half of those affected with arthritis are under the age of 65. The average age at onset of rheumatoid arthritis is between 20 and 45. Juvenile arthritis refers to the different types of arthritis that occur in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 300,000 children suffer from some form of arthritis.
False.
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are often mistakenly associated with old age, because osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) occurs more often among older persons. However, arthritis affects people of all ages. In fact, more than half of those affected with arthritis are under the age of 65.
The average age at onset of rheumatoid arthritis is between 20 and 45. Juvenile arthritis refers to the different types of arthritis that occur in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 300,000 children suffer from some form of arthritis.
Having arthritis may be somewhat painful, but it is never really serious.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Due to arthritis, over 7 million persons in the US are limited even in fundamental activities such as walking, dressing, and bathing.
In addition to the physical effects, arthritis patients also suffer from financial and lifestyle issues. Arthritis is expensive to treat, and it may result in lost wages due to disability. The chronic pain of the disease can cause depression, anxiety and feelings of helplessness. Chronic pain can also be a limiting factor in your work and personal life.
Being overweight can cause arthritis.
True.
Researchers believe that being overweight, among many other factors, may play a role in the development or worsening of arthritis.
The precise cause of arthritis is unknown, and may vary depending on the type of arthritis or rheumatic disease present. However, some or all of the following may be involved in causing arthritis:
Women and people of advanced age have an increased risk for developing certain types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.
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Osteoarthritis is a result of problems with the cartilage in your joints.
The problems of osteoarthritis begin when the cartilage in a joint begins to break down.
The ends of bones at a joint are covered with cartilage, a connective tissue that helps reduce the friction of movement.
Continued wear and tear on the joint breaks down the cartilage. Inflammation occurs, often causing pain and swelling. Cartilage may break down to the point that the ends of the bones rub together.
Having stiff, painful joints when getting out of bed in the morning is a symptom of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis often causes pain and/or stiffness in joints after prolonged inactivity or overuse. The hips, knees, spine, fingers, and feet are the most commonly affected areas.
Other common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Osteoarthritis may be diagnosed by x-rays.
X-rays are an important part of the diagnostic process for osteoarthritis, but before taking x-rays, your physician will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Your doctor has many other tests at his disposal besides x-rays to be sure of his diagnosis.
Your physician should review all information available before making a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, as the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis may resemble those of other conditions.
If your physician suspects you have a type of rheumatic disease other than osteoarthritis, or if the diagnostic tests are not conclusive, your physician may refer you to a rheumatologist, a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
Osteoarthritis can be cured by joint replacement surgery.
While many treatments are effective in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, there is no cure for the disease at this time.
Treatments for osteoarthritis include, but are not limited to, the following:
Successful management of osteoarthritis includes learning as much as possible about the condition and participating closely in your care.
Once a person has osteoarthritis, his or her quality of life will never recover.
Many people enjoy a healthy, happy life after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
Learning self-care helps people with osteoarthritis understand their disease and exercise greater control over it.
Taking an active role in your treatment also helps. Taking the initiative will improve your physical, mental and emotional coping abilities, and bolster your confidence in your ability to lead an active and independent life.
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