Almost 46 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, which means joint inflammation and refers to over 100 different kinds of diseases and conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.

Other forms of arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus) can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis followed by gout, fibromyalgia and rheumatiod arthritis.

Risk Factors

Nonmodifiable Factors

• Age: Risk increases with age.
• Gender: Most types of arthritis are most common in women (almost 60 percent affected are women).  Gout is most common in men.
• Genes: Specific genes are associated with certain types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Modifiable Factors

• Infection: Many microbial agents can infect joints, contributing to the development of osteoarthritis in that joint.
• Joint Injuries: Damage to a joint can also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in that joint.
• Occupation: Certain occupations with repetitive knee bending are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Overweight / Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to both the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.

What You Can Do

• Be active.  Physical activity decreases pain, improves function and delays disability.  Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least three days a week.  You can get activity in 10-minute intervals.
• Develop your skills. Self-management education can help you develop the skills and confidence to manage your arthritis daily.
• See your doctor. Even though there is no cure, early detection and appropriate management is important, especially for inflammatory types of arthritis.
• Protect your joints. Avoid joint injury to reduce your risk.  People who experience sports or occupational injuries, or have jobs with repetitive motions like knee bending have more osteoarthritis.

Source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Resources & More Info.

• Need help locating arthritis resources?  United Way 2-1-1™ is a free and confidential, 24-hour information/referral line that can connect you to over 40,000 community resources.  Just dial 2-1-1.  Cell phone users can call 651-291-0211.
• National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: 770-488-5464 www.cdc.gov/arthritis/
• View all United Way health and independence partner agencies.