Arthritis
The literal meaning of arthritis is joint inflammation. Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system (the joints, bones, muscles and other soft tissues around joints). Arthritis may be mild, moderate or severe and overall it is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia, costing the Australian community $23.9 billion dollars each year. This includes medical costs as well as indirect costs such as loss of earnings and lost productivity. Arthritis is non selective of age and may affect children, teenagers, young adults, middle aged and elderly alike. Arthritis usually causes pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints and can interfere with basic daily activities such as walking and preparing food. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly, and some conditions also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body.
The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Other types of arthritis include ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Facts:
- Nearly one in five Australians has arthritis.
- Arthritis is not just a normal part of ageing. Two thirds of people with arthritis in Australia are of working age.
- Children get arthritis too, 1 in 1000 Australian children are affected by arthritis.
Scientists are studying risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing arthritis. Some of these factors have been identified.
Family history, genetic factors and environmental triggers are believed to be important. For example in osteoarthritis, excessive stress on the joint from being overweight or repeatedly injuring the joint may play a role. Gender is a factor, with women accounting for 60% of all those diagnosed. This indicates that hormones or other male-female differences may play a role in the development of some of these conditions.
What are the symptoms?
Different types of arthritis have different symptoms. In general, people who have arthritis feel pain and stiffness in the joints, muscles or other soft tissues surrounding the joints. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce joint damage, and control the symptoms of arthritis.
Common symptoms of arthritis
- pain or tenderness in a joint
- joint stiffness, swelling, warmth and/or redness in the joint
- difficulty using or moving a joint normally
A general practitioner (doctor) should be consulted if symptoms of arthritis are noticed. The doctor will ask questions about the symptoms and family history as well as examine the affected joints. They may do blood tests, x-rays or other tests or refer the person to a rheumatologist (a doctor who specialises in arthritis) for further tests.
What are the treatments?
Successful management of arthritis requires a team approach, remembering that the most important member of the healthcare team is the person with arthritis. Learning self-management skills such as problem solving and effective communication with the healthcare team can lead to improved care and a greater sense of control over the condition. There are many treatments available to relieve pain and stiffness, maintain flexibility and slow the progression of arthritis. Treatments include medications, pain management techniques, physical activity, energy conservation and joint protection. Sometimes surgery may be necessary. Various health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and podiatrists, can also provide treatments and information to help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Arthritis Australia information sheets
Each information sheet was fully researched to ensure the most current, scientifically proven information was included. A group of experts, including rheumatologists, general practitioners, pharmacists, physiotherapists and practice nurses, reviewed each sheet to ensure the content was accurate and comprehensive. Importantly, each sheet was also reviewed by people with arthritis to make sure it was clear and easy to understand for people with different reading abilities and knowledge about arthritis.
The National Set of Arthritis Information Sheets project was conducted by Arthritis Victoria for Arthritis Australia. The Australian government provided funding to support this project.
Feel free to download the new Arthritis Australia information sheets available, or view the FREE information booklets that are also available. You will be asked to submit some details before you are able to download these items. This data allows us to gather statistics to apply for future funding. We thank you for your patience.
Conditions
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Gout
- Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
- Osteoarthritis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spondyloarthritis
- What is arthritis
- Back pain
- Feet and arthritis
- Hands and arthritis
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Tips for osteoarthritis of the hip/knee
- Medicines and arthritis
- Surgery for arthritis
- Working with your healthcare team
- Arthritis and emotions
- Dealing with pain
- Exercise and RA
- Healthy eating and arthritis
- Physical activity
- Saving energy
- Complementary therapies
- Fish oils
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
Multicultural Information Sheets
Arabic
- What is arthritis?
- Dealing with pain
- Healthy eating and physical activity
- Medicines and arthritis
- Working with your healthcare team
- What is arthritis?
- Dealing with pain
- Healthy eating and physical activity
- Medicines and arthritis
- Working with your healthcare team
- What is arthritis?
- Dealing with pain
- Healthy eating and physical activity
- Medicines and arthritis
- Working with your healthcare team
- What is arthritis?
- Dealing with pain
- Healthy eating and physical activity
- Medicines and arthritis
- Working with your healthcare team
- What is arthritis?
- Dealing with pain
- Healthy eating and physical activity
- Medicines and arthritis
- Working with your healthcare team