• Arthritis is the medical name for inflammation of a joint, and there are many conditions which can be classified as arthritic conditions. The most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints, and fatigue, but people are affected in different ways and to different degrees of severity.
• There are more than 100 forms of arthritis.
• 70 million Americans have arthritis.
• 300,000 people with arthritis are children.
• Arthritis is the nation's number one cause of disability.
• Arthritis costs the US economy nearly $82 billion annually in lost wages.
• Arthritis affects one in three Americans. That one could be you, your neighbor, a co-worker or family member.

Arthritis Foundation

“We are a nation in pain. Arthritis is the number one cause of disability and affects more people than ever imagined. It’s time we individually and as a society fully realize the seriousness of arthritis and take action to limit its impact,” said Tino J. Mantella, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “What may start as minor aches and pains today, could end up affecting your future ability to enjoy everyday activities you love, including work, family, hobbies and recreation.”
Arthritis Foundation Medical Director, John H. Klippel, M.D., adds, “Americans must take their joint health seriously and see a health care provider at the earliest warning signs of arthritis so that they can continue to enjoy active life and avoid future limitations.”

Medical Information

Joint destruction, swelling, loss of range of motion, deformities, chronic pain and fatigue can be some of the effects of arthritis on a person. Arthritis can bring about significant amounts of pain, but the severity and duration depends on the type of arthritis. Pain can also come and go as your arthritis flares or goes into remission, but for most people with arthritis it will never disappear totally. Fortunately, new methods of managing pain are constantly being worked on.
Arthritis does interfere with some activity, but it should not have to immobilise the person who has it. Due to the pain, muscle weakness and restricted movement often experienced with arthritis, some people with arthritis may be dependent or partly dependent on others for help to perform some daily activities. Additionally, other changes may be necessary around the house, or you might find some special arthritis tools and devices useful. However, even activities such as driving, travel, gardening and exercise are still possible. Your gardening activities may also be affected by stiffness, pain or the increased difficulty of bending, but careful planning can also help to protect from unnecessary strain. Although exercising may seem unrealistic because of the pain of arthritis, exercise is still recommended as it stops joints becoming too painful and stiff and helps to strengthen your muscles.
Increased stress can lead to an ongoing cycle of increased pain, depression and fatigue for people with arthritis, who already have added stresses due to the burdens often imposed by their condition. To try to break this cycle and to help you cope, you can devise a pain and stress management plan with the help of a medical professional. Specific relaxation techniques can also be useful in reversing the impact of stress and reducing pain.
Please check the Arthritis Foundation chart about Drug-Drug interactions.

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