Arthritis. I’m sure you’ve heard of it before. Most people associate the term with older individuals, but the truth of the matter is anyone at any age can suffer from this disease. I’m here to provide some information and facts on the term.
Arthritis means inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. It is an umbrella term that describes over 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Oseoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis followed by Rheumatoid Arthritis.
What’s the difference between Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis or OA is more commonly known as the wear and tear on joints that usually occurs over time. According to the CDC: With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. These changes usually develop slowly and get worse over time. OA can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. In some cases it also causes reduced function and disability.
Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA, is a long term chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease, (meaning your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation in the affected joints/tissues). RA mainly affect the joints, (often times many joints at once). The CDC notes: In a joint with RA, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing damage to joint tissue. This tissue damage can cause long-lasting or chronic pain, unsteadiness (lack of balance), and deformity (misshapenness).
Can children suffer from Arthritis?
Yes! Kids get Arthritis too. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, JIA, (formerly juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 16. JIA and other pediatric rheumatic diseases affect nearly 300,000 kids and teens in the United States. Unlike adult RA, children oftentimes outgrow JIA, however this disease can affect, bone development, growth problems, joint damage, and other serious complications.
Did you know?
💙 Arthritis affects an estimated 58.5 US adults
💙 1 in 4 adults suffer from arthritis
💙 There is no cure for this disease
💙 Arthritis is not limited to affecting only joints. Some types affect the eyes, lungs, skin, kidneys, and heart
💙 This disease is most common among women
💙 It is a leading cause of work disability
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