About Arthritis

Arthritis is the number one cause of joint problems. Approximately 43 million people in the U.S. are affected with this disease. One million new patients develop arthritis each year. One in six people are affected by arthritis, or one in three families.

How Joints Work

A joint works like a hinge on a door. It glides open without sound or effort. This is similar to how a healthy knee or hip works.  A rusty hinge is similar to an arthritic joint. It is deteriorated to the point that it doesn’t work very well.

In a healthy knee the cartilage cushions the joint or helps it absorb shock during motion. This type of joint is considered a “gliding hinge joint”, although it is more complex than a simple hinge.  In an arthritic joint, the surfaces between the bones are worn and uneven. This creates friction, which causes pain.

Other joints in the body include the hip, shoulder and wrist, which work similar to a ball and socket. When arthritis sets in, the joint becomes hard to rotate.

Who Is Affected

Patients who suffer from arthritis come in all ages, shapes and sizes. Fifty percent of people 65 years and over have arthritis. Younger people have a lower risk, yet still make up half of all people affected. Sometimes children are born with orthopaedic problems that can be corrected through surgery. Among the many affected, there are 250,000 children who also suffer from arthritis.

Many arthritis sufferers say that pain is a problem. However, the worst part is losing their mobility and independence. When you’re accustomed to taking care of yourself and doing things you want, when you want… it’s depressing to slowly become immobilized by pain. When movement becomes painful, it is time to seek relief.

Treatment Options

Many arthritis sufferers treat their pain with direct heat. Your doctor might suggest that you make lifestyle changes such as losing weight or exercising to increase your range of motion.

Arthritis is sometimes treated with both over-the-counter remedies and prescription medications. However, medications can have significant side effects. Patients should be under the care of a physician who is familiar with these drugs and their administration.

Physical therapists can help arthritis sufferers maintain mobility.  There are licensed physical therapists who work with physicians to help treat joint disorders.

When other treatments no longer bring relief, it may be time to consider joint replacement surgery.