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Arthritis is a term used to describe 100 medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically our joints. As our population ages, the number of people with arthritis is growing. The most common forms of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Juvenile arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
- Scleroderma
The symptoms and problems related to arthritis include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tissue that covers the ends of bones, enabling them to move against each another) and surrounding structures. This can cause joint weakness, instability and deformities that can interfere with your activities of daily living and have a significant impact on your quality of life. Arthritis is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia, with over 3 million Australians affected. This comes at a great cost to our economy in medical care and indirect costs such as loss of earnings and lost production.
There is a belief that arthritis is simply a consequence of age, however it is not a natural part of ageing. In fact a high number of all people suffering from the disease are actually of working age. There is no cure for arthritis yet, however research suggests that early intervention and rehabilitation can delay the onset of the disease and may reduce the number of cases of osteoarthritis by a significant amount. While the condition is usually manageable, it invariably impacts on a patient’s quality of life and includes varying degrees of discomfort and pain. Are you or a loved one suffering? Call us now to get the help you need.
http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au