Arthritis Facts ~ How many People Suffer with Arthritis?

The Shocking Numbers of People Suffering with Arthritis

Increasing numbers of arthritis and depression

Here are some facts on arthritis, the numbers and shocking and probably a low estimate due to undiagnosed patients and the numerous types of arthritis that make it difficult to determine what is or is not arthritis.

Arthritis Facts

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints that can at times disable the patient. The consequences of arthritis include joint disfigurement and constrained joint mobility. Arthritis affects adults and children of all ages and does not discriminate between race or gender.

These are just the Statistics of Americans with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms, the numbers are believed to be much higher with people in the UK.• 1985 – 35 million

• 1990 – 37.9 million

• 1998 – nearly 43 million (1 in 6 people)

• 2006 – 46 million (nearly 1 in 5 adults)

The numbers could be increasing due to the aging population, however, we must look at our diet and the chemicals we are being forced to ingest in our foods quite innocently.

• Arthritis is said to be one of the most ubiquitous chronic health problems and is leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15.

• Arthritis is second only to heart disease as grounds of work disability.

• Arthritis limits daily activities such as walking, dressing and bathing for more than 7 million Americans.

• Arthritis results in 39 million doctor visits and more than a half million hospitalizations.

• Arthritis influences people in all age groups together with nearly 300,000 children and that can include babies too.

• Baby boomers are now at chief jeopardy. More than half those affected are under age 65.

• Arthritis is a term used to refer to more than hundred different diseases that concern areas in or around joints.

General Information:

• Women – 24.3 million of the people with arthritis diagnosed by a doctor

• Men – 17.1 million of the people with arthritis diagnosed by a doctor

The disease also has an affect on other parts of the body. Arthritis causes pain, loss of movement and sometimes swelling. Some types of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bone begins to rub against bone. It is the most prevalent form of arthritis.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disease in which the joint lining becomes inflamed as part of the body’s immune system activity. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most serious and disabling types, affecting mostly women.

• Gout is a form which mostly affects men. It is usually the result of a defect in body chemistry. This painful condition most often attacks small joints, especially the big toe. Fortunately, gout almost always can be completely controlled with medication and changes in diet.

• Ankylosing spondylitis is a type that affects the spine. As a result of inflammation, the bones of the spine grow together.

• Juvenile arthritis is a common term for all types of arthritis that come about in children. Children may develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or childhood forms of lupus, Ankylosing spondylitis or other types of arthritis.

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus): a severe disorder that can agitate and damage joints and other connective tissues all over the body.

These are just a few of the main types of arthritis, and we have not even hit the side effects that come with painful arthritis. There is a heavy emotional toll that comes with arthritis, depression, insomnia and the emotional impact of a changed life. There are financial difficulties, relationship and family adjustments not to mention the career changes, that is if a change is even an option. It isn’t as if the arthritis will necessarily allow you to change jobs, and what make it worse it is an unseen disease and many people are left bewildered as to why you have days that appear as if you are well and the next day, cannot perform the simplest of tasks.

Arthritis of all forms are in the beginning stages of major medical break throughs, but there is a long way to go and we are trusting in virtually unknown medications at this time.

In the meantime I would like to suggest that everyone look after their health and support their body as best they can with nutritional support, the best diet they can eat and to get rest whenever possible and to partake in activities to the best they can. Our body is a whole, there are no seperate parts of the body,even though it feels that way, but if we can support the whole we can help support the areas that are not working so well and offer a fighting chance.

 Read and follow what you believe will help you and take care of yourself the very best you can,

Andrea

Author of  www.arthritisandbeyond.com and www.about-real-life.com