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 Primary No obvious reason Inherited tendency Secondary Prior injury Inflammatory Arthritis Genes Inherited tendency Trigger Viral infection Environmental factor

Risk Factors Inflammatory Arthritis Age Family History Gender (female) Smoking Degenerative Arthritis Age Family History Excess Weight Joint Injury Other Types of Arthritis

Diagnosing Arthritis Inflammatory Arthritis Personal Medical History Family History Joint Examination Blood Tests X-Rays Degenerative Arthritis Personal Medical History Family History Joint Examination Other Types Ruled Out X-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 energy REDUCE the risk of many health problems

Benefits of Physical Activity Improves pain control Decreases stiffness Increases energy Improves 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 Arthritis Chronic Pain Management Arthritis Self-Management Program Arthritis Information Line

The Arthritis Society Canada’s principle health charity for arthritis $175 million invested in arthritis research for better treatments and a cure Our Mission The Arthritis Society provides leadership and funding for research, advocacy, and solutions to improve the quality of life for Canadians affected by arthritis. Our Vision Living well while creating a future without arthritis.

How You Can Get Involved Volunteer Donate Raise awareness Participate

The Walk to Fight Arthritis Sunday June 10, 2012 Walk Start 11:00 Mississauga Valley Park – 1275 Mississauga Valley Blvd.

Regional Contact Information Peel and Halton Region Office Finchgate Blvd. Brampton, ON L6T 3J

Arthritis Information Line