Introduction to
Arthritis
What You Will Learn
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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:
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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
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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
Inflammatory
Arthritis
Genes
Inherited
tendency
Trigger
Viral infection
Environmental
factor
Degenerative
Arthritis
Primary
No obvious reason
Inherited tendency
Secondary
Prior injury
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.
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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:
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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
1.800.321.1433
www.arthritis.ca
The Arthritis Society
Our Mission
Canada’s principle health
charity for arthritis
$175 million invested in
arthritis research
for better treatments
and a cure
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.
www.walktofightarthritis.ca
Regional Contact Information
Peel and Halton Region Office
214-40 Finchgate Blvd.
Brampton, ON L6T 3J1
905-455-6273
www.arthritis.ca
Arthritis Information Line
1.800.321.1433
www.arthritis.ca