Understanding Arthritis

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What is arthritis?

• Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and stiffness in your body.
• There are many kinds of arthritis that affect your body in different ways.
• Arthritis is a chronic disease, which means it can affect your body for a long time.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in your joints.
• Joints are places where your bones meet and your body bends, such as:
  • Fingers
  • Hips
  • Elbows
  • Knees
  • Spine, neck, and lower back

Let’s talk about osteoarthritis.

• In this presentation, we will focus on dealing with osteoarthritis – the most common type of arthritis.

Arthritis can make you feel uncomfortable and even hurt.

• Arthritis pain can feel like:
  • A dull ache or
  • A sharp, shooting pain
• Arthritis can make it hard for you to move or bend your joints by causing:
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling in your joints (and bony “knobs” on your fingers)

Arthritis can make it hard to do everyday activities, such as:

• Lifting things
• Getting dressed
• Standing up
• Sitting
• Walking

You are more likely to get arthritis if:

• You are older than 45
• You are a woman
• You are overweight or obese
• A member of your family has arthritis

You may also get arthritis if:

• You injured a joint or broke a bone in the past
• You had a job that required repetitive movement, like
  • Heavy lifting,
  • Typing, or
  • Operating a machine

If you think you have arthritis, see a doctor.

• The doctor will examine your joints.
• The doctor may take tests like:
  • X-ray
  • Blood Test

Tell your doctor about what you are feeling in your body (your symptoms).

• Is the pain you feel…
  • Sharp? Burning? Dull?
• Do you notice the pain…
  • After an activity? After resting?
• Does your pain…
  • Come and go? Stay all the time?

Your doctor may prescribe medication or equipment to control pain.

• Some medications can lessen pain and swelling caused by arthritis.
• You can protect your joints and make it easier to move with:
  • Braces
  • Canes
  • Grab bars
  • Special shoes
  • Toilet seat support

The doctor may recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Pain management counseling
• Massage
• Surgery, such as replacing a joint like a hip or knee

There are things you can do to feel better.

• It is especially important to stay active.

• You can learn more about living with arthritis.

You can take steps to control arthritis pain:

• Take breaks from stressful activities that cause pain in your joints
• Use good posture -- stand up and sit up straight
• Maintain a healthy weight

More ways to control arthritis pain...

• When lifting or carrying things, use your bigger and stronger joints and muscles – like your knees and your legs
• You can ask your doctor or support staff for more tips
• Keep moving – don’t sit or stand in one position too long

Learn more about arthritis and how to live with it.

• National Institute on Aging – Arthritis Advice
• Arthritis Foundation – Ways to Protect Your Joints
• American College of Rheumatology