Overview of Arthritis

Brought to you in collaboration with:1. Arthritis Foundation Tennessee Chapter2. Tennessee Department of Health3. University of Tennessee Extension

rev. June 2009

2

Arthritis Defined

Arthritis: “inflammation of a joint”Rheumatism: Better term, broad,

encompasses all kinds of pain and stiffness in the muscles and jointsMost common feature is PAINOver 120 different types of arthritis

NO CURE: Chronic. Why self-management is so important.

3

The Impact of Arthritis

The leading cause of disability among American adults

One of the most common chronic health problems in the United States

Affects people of all agesAffects over 43 million Americans

(1 of every 6 adults)

4

Impact of Arthritis (continued)

Twice as many women as men have the disease

More frequent cause of activity limitations than heart disease, cancer or diabetes

Limits activities of over 7 million Americans Causes 39 million doctor visits, and over half-

a-million hospitalizations each year Costs the U.S. economy $128 billion a year $81 billion in medical costs

5

Burden of Arthritis in Tennessee

1.5 million adults have arthritis72% of people with arthritis are less than

65 years of ageAlmost 26.6% of adults have been

diagnosed with some form of arthritis

6

Burden of Arthritis in Tennessee

Of those diagnosed:43% don’t know the type of arthritis they

have55% are not under a physician’s care

Source: 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey data (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Survey)

7

Burden of Arthritis in Tennessee

More common in Whites (36%) than Blacks (33%)

More common in Women (41%) than Men (30%)

People with arthritis are more likely to be obese (30%)

People with arthritis more likely report days of poor physical health and/or mental health when compared to others

Symptoms of Arthritis

Swelling in one or more jointsMorning stiffness lasting ≥ 30 minutesPersistent joint pain or tendernessInability to move a joint in a normal wayRedness or warmth in a jointWeight loss, fever or weaknessJoint pain that can not be explained

8

9

Healthy Joint Anatomy

Muscles Joint capsule

Tendons

Synovialmembrane

BoneSynovial fluid

Cartilage

10

A Joint with Osteoarthritis

Muscles Bone spurs

Tendons

Synovial membrane

Bone

Synovial fluidCartilagefragments

in fluid

Worn awaycartilage

11

Joints Most Often Affected

Osteoarthritis most often occurs at the ends of the fingers, thumbs, neck, lower back, knees, and hips.

12

Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA)Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)Lupus – Systematic Lupus

Erythematosus (SLE)Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)

13

Osteoarthritis (OA):By Far The Most Common Form

Also called degenerative joint diseaseUsually begins after age 45Causes symptoms in 1 of every 3

individuals over age 60

14

Osteoarthritis (OA):By Far The Most Common Form

Caused by breakdown of the joint’s cartilageBones rub togetherJoint loses shape and alignmentBone ends thickenBit of cartilage or bone float in joint spacePain, inflammation and stiffness result

15

Osteoarthritis Risk Factors

AgeOverweightJoint InjuryMuscle weaknessHeredity

16

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Affects about 2.1 million Americans, and three time more women than men

Caused when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints

Can result in severe joint damage and deformity

May also cause fatigue, weight loss and other whole-body symptoms

17

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)

Joints not affectedMuscles, ligaments and tendons affectedSleep disturbancesOver half of people have chronic fatigue

18

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)

Cause is unknown1990 first defined: Pain and stiffness in

many parts of the body for at least 3 months and local tenderness in 11 of 18 specified places

3.7 million in the U.S. – no TN dataGood prognosisExercise and relaxation essential

19

Lupus

Rheumatic disease that affects the skin and body tissues – autoimmune disease

Possibly organs such as the kidneys, lungs or heart

Affects women more than menPrimarily a young woman’s diseaseAffects more African Americans than

Caucasians

Chronic Pain Cycle

21

Arthritis Medications

Medications are important to your management of pain.

When taken properly, medications can reduce pain and increase joint mobility.

Medications will not cure arthritis, but they can keep your symptoms under control and make life more comfortable.

22

Importance of a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is an important key to managing arthritic pain.

The less stress (weight) you put on your joints, the less pain you will experience.

Increased Muscle Mass=Increased Bone Density=Decreased Body Fat=Healthier Joints=Happier You!

23

Importance of Healthy Weight

Keys to achieving a healthy weightMove more and eat less!Strive to eat a minimum of 5 servings of

fruits and vegetables (2 cups vegetables and 1 ½ cups of fruit) each day.

Reduce portion sizes (Healthy Plate Method).

Aim to exercise (walk, bike, swim, garden) for 15-30 minutes each day.

24

Arthritis Management Programs

Arthritis Self-Help Program

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program

25

Arthritis Self-Help Program

The Self-Help program is an in-depth program that gives newly and previously diagnosed individuals with arthritis the knowledge and skills needed to better manage their disease.

Led by UT Extension Educators certified by the Arthritis Foundation.

26

Arthritis Self-Help Program

The Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program is designed to:

Identify and teach you the latest pain management techniques

Help you develop your own individualized exercise program

Help you learn to manage fatigue and stress more effectively

27

Arthritis Self-Help Program

The Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program is designed to:

Discuss the purposes and effective use of medications

Help you learn new ways to communicate with family and friends

Teach you how to form a partnership with your healthcare team.

28

Arthritis Self-Help Program

Participants will learn how to:● Reduce arthritic pain and stress● Cope with fatigue● Manage pain● Use medications wisely● Benefit from exercise

29

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is a 60-minute class held twice a week.

It is designed to improve endurance and joint motion.

The low-impact program offers 2 types of classes – Basic and Advanced.

30

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

Program benefits include:● Joint stiffness relief● Decreased arthritic pain● Decreased depression● Increased energy● Increased flexibility● Better, more relaxed sleep● Increased functional ability

31

Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program

Led by Extension Educators certified by the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Instructor program

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is a 60-minute class held twice a week

Appropriate for individuals with mild to moderate arthritis

32

Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program

Program benefits include:● Decreased pain and stiffness in joints ● Improved daily physical functioning● Improved balance leading to decrease

in falling ● Improved abdominal muscle strength ● Increased confidence in one’s ability to

exercise

33

Monitoring Your Progress Exercise

34

Rating of Perceived Pain Scale

35

Monitoring Your ProgressSelf-Help

36

37

Discussion

Questions