1. Overview of Arthritis Brought to you in collaboration by:
Arthritis Foundation Tennessee Chapter
Tennessee Department of Health
University of Tennessee Extension
rev. March 2008

2. Arthritis Defined Arthritis: “inflammation of a joint”
Rheumatism: Better term, broad, encompasses all kinds of pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints
Most common feature is PAIN
Over 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 ages
Affects over 43 million Americans (1 of ever 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 US economy $128 Billion a year
$81 Billion in medical costs

5. Burden of Arthritis in Tennessee
1.5 million adults have arthritis
72% of people with arthritis are less than 65 years of age
Almost 26.6% of adults have been diagnosed with some forms of arthritis

6. Burden of Arthritis in Tennessee
Of those diagnosed:
43% don’t know the type of arthritis they have
55% are not under a physician’s care
Source: 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey data (Center 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.

8. Healthy Joint Anatomy Muscles Joint capsule Tendons Synovial membrane
Bone
Synovial fluid
Cartilage
In a healthy joint, the ends of bones are encased in smooth cartilage. Together, they are protected by a joint capsule lined with a synovial membrane that produces synovial fluid. The capsule and fluid protect the cartilage, muscles, and connective tissues.

9. A Joint with Osteoarthritis
Muscles
Bone spurs
Tendons
Synovial membrane
Bone
Synovial fluid
Cartilage
fragments
in fluid
Worn away
cartilage
With osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes worn away. Spurs grow out from the edge of the bone, and synovial fluid increases. Altogether, the joint feels stiff and sore.

10. Joints Most Often Affected
Osteoarthritis most often occurs at the ends of the fingers, thumbs, neck, lower back, knees, and hips.
Osteoarthritis most often occurs at the ends of the fingers, thumbs, neck, lower back, knees, and hips.

11. Types of Arthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)
Lupus – Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)

12. Osteoarthritis (OA): By Far The Most Common Form
Also called degenerative joint disease
Usually begins after age 45
Causes symptoms in 1 of every 3 individuals over age 60

13. Osteoarthritis (OA): By Far The Most Common Form
Caused by breakdown of the joint’s cartilage
Bones rub together
Joint loses shape and alignment
Bone ends thicken
Bit of cartilage or bone float in joint space
Pain, inflammation and stiffness result

14. Osteoarthritis Risk Factors
Age
Overweight
Joint Injury
Muscle weakness
Hereditary

15. 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 sever joint damage and deformity
May also cause fatigue, weight loss and other whole-body symptoms

16. Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)
Joints not affected
Muscles, ligaments and tendons affected
Sleep disturbances
Over half of people have chronic fatigue

17. Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)
Cause is unknown
1990 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 US – no TN data
Good prognosis
Exercise and relaxation essential

18. 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 men
Primarily a young woman’s disease
Affects more African Americans than Caucasians

19. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Most prevalent form of arthritis in children
Produces serious complications in severe cases
Causes few problems in very mild cases
Symptoms may include joint inflammation, joint damage, altered growth, and joint stiffness

20. Discussion
Any Questions?