About Arthritis—the “Hidden” Disease
November 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under about arthritis
Arthritis Can Affect Anybody
About Arthritis—the “Hidden” Disease
Everyone has heard of arthritis, but many people think of it as a disease of the elderly. As a result, millions of arthritis stories remain hidden—while persons of all ages develop arthritis—even children. Many of these people are of working age, trying to cope with a job and raising a family.
Why do people know so little about this disease? Often there are no visible signs that reveal the stiffness, pain and weariness—symptoms that come and go, sometimes moving to different parts of the body. Without consistent signs, co-workers, bosses, playmates, teachers, and even family members have difficulty remembering that the afflicted person has an illness and how painful it can be.
A little known fact is that there are over 100 kinds of arthritis, with different causes, symptoms, and levels of impact. The key defining experiences of arthritis are inflammation, swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Other parts of the body can be affected as well—such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even organs. An arthritic condition may be relatively mild, affecting only one or two joints, or it can affect the whole body.
Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United State, Canada and the U.K. Essential activities, such as walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, and climbing stairs, become very difficult. Sitting, standing, or lying down for a prolonged period of time can lead to pain and immobility. One in three persons with arthritis report limitations in their ability to work; and 50% of rheumatoid arthritis patients have to leave the workforce within 10 years of their diagnosis.
