Released: May 05, 2003

Arthritis Increasing; Learn to Reduce Risks, Pain

MANHATTAN, Kan. – One-third of all Kansans suffer from arthritis. They’re not alone. In Oct. 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 70 million people now suffer from the disease.

Five years ago, the CDC had estimated that 43 million people suffered from arthritis. The new estimate surpasses previous estimates – 60 million in the year 2020, said Doris Newman, president of the Kansas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.

Why the rise? Newman said that the revision reflects several changes: “An aging population is a factor, but not the only factor. Previously, arthritis often has been self-diagnosed. An increasing number of people who are experiencing joint pain are seeking medical treatment earlier. Medical science also has advanced to the point that it is possible to differentiate between some forms of arthritis.”

One example is the ability to pinpoint diagnoses for Lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis, Newman said.

The disease encompasses 100 different types, yet even people who are diagnosed with the same type of arthritis may have different symptoms. Pain and swelling in the joints that is symptomatic of osteoarthritis can occur in the hands; feet; knees; back; neck; shoulders or hips. People who have the disease may have similar symptoms, but may not necessarily have them at the same sites, said Nancy Gyurcsik, K-State Research and Extension exercise psychologist.

The disease is sometimes associated with aging – one in two people over the age of 65 suffer from arthritis – but is not limited to older adults. One in three people under the age of 65 suffer from arthritis. The disease has been termed a ‘woman’s disease,’ but that is not the case. Men suffer as well, and close to 300,000 children suffer from arthritis.

Gender and genetics can predispose some people to the disease. Obesity, an injury to a joint, occupational hazard, such as repetitive motion, and sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate the problem.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15, and second only to heart disease as a leading cause of work disability.

Pain from arthritis can be debilitating. Nationally, the cost of medical care and time off from work add up to about $65 billion annually. The expense has been compared to a moderate national recession, Gyurcsik said.

At this point in time, there is no medical cure for arthritis, she said.

Symptoms often develop slowly. Once the disease is diagnosed, treatment that can ease symptoms and reduce pain can begin. For that reason, an early diagnosis can be beneficial, said Gyurcsik, who advised seeing a medical professional at the first sign of joint pain, swelling, or other unexplained pain or stiffness that lasts for more than two weeks.

What might seem like doom and gloom is not necessarily so. People who suffer from arthritis can do a lot to make themselves more comfortable, said Gyurcsik, who offered these tips:

* Exercise moderately, but regularly.

“Physical activity like bending, stretching, walking or gardening usually eases arthritic pain and, at the same time, promotes flexibility and mobility. Stressing joints – or overdoing it – is not recommended, though. That’s one reason why aquatic exercises often are a good match for arthritis sufferers. Water cushions the joints and eases pain that might otherwise accompany exercise,” she said.

While some former activities may not be managed as easily, many can still be enjoyed in moderation. One example might be handwork – using the hands consistently can keep joints from freezing up, Gyurcsik said.

Be open to new hobbies and new projects, she said.

* Trim calories and fat. Losing as little as 10 or 15 pounds can reduce stress on joints and

relieve pain.

* Eat a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables that provide vitamins and minerals essential to health.

* Drink eight to 10 glasses of water each day.

“Keeping well hydrated is important – fluids cushion the body,” Gyurcsik said.

When diagnosed with arthritis, a positive attitude and willingness to be adaptable can be helpful in minimizing pain and managing the disease successfully.

To learn more about early symptoms of arthritis and how to recognize them, interested persons can contact the Kansas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation [316-263-0116 or, if outside the Wichita area, 800-362-1108]. For more information on food, nutrition and health, interested persons can contact their local K-State Research and Extension office.

###

Sidebar
So what’s arthritis?

While there are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis, three are most common:

Osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the end of the bones in the joint deteriorates. Symptoms including stiffness in the joints and reduced mobility – joints can freeze. Osteoarthritis usually affects the hips, knees, feet, or hands.

Rheumatoid arthritis involves a chronic inflammation of the joint lining. It is one of the most serious and disabling types of arthritis and affects mostly women. Joint pain, stiffness, and the swelling of multiple joints are common symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis also can cause the heart and lungs to swell, making people who have the disease more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases.

Fibromyalgia can cause widespread pain that affects the muscles and the areas where they attach. Its symptoms include muscle pain throughout the body, fatigue, headaches, and sleep disorders.

For more information on arthritis, interested persons can contact the Kansas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation [316-263-0116 or, if outside the Wichita area, 800-362-1108].

-30-

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson, Communications Specialist
nancyp@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News

Return to National Arthritis Month Media Kit