Understanding Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Arthritis

54.5 million adults in the US were diagnosed between 2013-2015 (number is probably higher because some people aren't diagnosed); Number of adults with arthritis is expected to increase.

Characteristics:

• Arthritis: inflammation of one or more joints that cause joint pain and stiffness. It typically worsens with age. Joint disease.
• Osteoarthritis: most common, affecting 23% of adults in the US, caused by normal wear and tear, deterioration of cartilage and joints. Body attempts to correct this cause inflammation and irregular bone joints, exacerbating the condition.
• Rheumatoid: affects 1% of the population worldwide, an autoimmune disorder, chronic disease characterized by non-specific and usually symmetric inflammation of peripheral joints. Results in progressive destruction of articular structures, slowly stiffening and increasing in severity. Onset sudden and acute pain, swelling, and increased heat and redness around affected joints, with periods of remission and flare-ups.
• Others: can be caused by uric acid crystals, infections, or even underlying diseases (psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, lupus).

Diagnostic Approach:

22.7% of the adult population, 54.4 million people diagnosed with a likely higher number as people live without diagnosis. Expected to increase by 2040, with 26% of adults expected to have it. Highest rates in the south, lowest in California.

Treatment:

Vary according to type, but the main goal is to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life.

• Osteoarthritis: physical activity, weight loss, physical therapy, alternative medications, medications, surgery.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: early intervention and treatment is effective, goals, medications, surgery.
• Fibromyalgia: medications, activity, stress reduction approach, biofeedback, lifestyle modifications, massage, modifications, medical specialists.

Risks:

Modifiable factors: smoking, occupation (squatting and bending), injury (overuse), infection, overweight 23% or obese 31%. Not Modifiable: genes, gender (male 19%, female 26%), age (45-64 29%, 65+ 50%).

Jobs:

Vocational considerations: discuss limitations, how limitations impact ability to perform jobs, specific activities affected. Accommodations: JAN, American Chronic Pain Association, American College of Rheumatology, Arthritis Foundation, Lupus Foundation of America, and National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.