Who is at Risk? What Kind of Doctor Should I See? What Should I Tell My Doctor? How is Arthritis Diagnosed? Dispelling Common Arthritis Myths Recommended Reading

Who is at Risk?

Chances are you or someone you know has a form of arthritis or a related condition. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70 million Americans have arthritis or chronic joint symptoms. That’s one in every three adult Americans. Arthritis affects people of all ages, including children. Arthritis is a chronic condition, which means it does not go away.

While arthritis affects people of all ages, and symptoms are specific to each of the more than 100 forms of the disease, below are some common characteristics in people with arthritis:

Women are more likely to have arthritis than men (41.0 million vs. 28.9 million);
Baby boomers are at prime risk, with more than half those affected being under the age of 65;
Pain, stiffness, occasional swelling and difficulty moving a joint are warning signs.

Some characteristics common to osteoarthritis (OA) are:

OA affects nearly 21 million Americans, commonly middle-aged and older people, most over age 45;
Hands and weight-bearing joints (such as knees, hips, feet and the back) are usually affected;
Obesity may contribute to OA of the knees;
Previous sports injuries may increase risk of developing OA;
Work-related activity or accidents may also increase OA risk;
Most people over 60 show signs of the disease on an X-ray (while about one third have actual symptoms).

Some warning signs of arthritis are pain, stiffness, occasional swelling and difficulty moving a joint. If you have any of these signs in or around a joint for more than two weeks, it is time to see your doctor. These symptoms can develop suddenly or slowly. Only a doctor can tell if it is arthritis.

Information in the above section provided courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation’s brochure, Arthritis Answers, copyright ©2000, Arthritis Foundation. For more information on diagnosing arthritis and talking to your doctor, order a free copy of Arthritis Answers by calling (800) 283-7800.

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What Kind of Doctor Should I See?

For many people with osteoarthritis, the main medical professional they see is their primary-care doctor. Most likely, this is the person who will first diagnose your arthritis and who is capable of handling most of your care. Although most cases of osteoarthritis may be treated quite effectively by a general internist or family physician, diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis may require the knowledge and experience of a specialist.

In some cases, such as when you need specialized medical care for a problem or complication, or for certain specialized treatments, you may be referred by your primary-care doctor to another health professional. Your health-care team can include a number of different health professionals with distinct areas of expertise. Here’s a brief explanation of some of these professionals and what they do:

Rheumatologist – This type of physician is a specialist with advanced, in-depth training in arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions.
Orthopedic surgeon – This doctor has specialized training in performing surgery on joints, bones, muscles and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.
Physical therapist – This professional is trained and licensed in rehabilitation techniques. Physical therapists can help restore function and prevent disability for people affected by osteoarthritis.
Pharmacist – This health professional is licensed to dispense medicines. A pharmacist fills your prescriptions and can explain the drugs’ actions and side effects.
Occupational therapist – This professional has training to help patients reach their highest level of independence in daily activities. An occupational therapist can teach you how to reduce strain on your joints during daily activities and can fit you with splints and other devices to reduce stress on your joints.

*Information in the above section provided by The Arthritis Foundation’s Guide to Good Living with Osteoarthritis, copyright ©2000, Arthritis Foundation. To order this book, call (800) 283-7800 or browse the Arthritis Foundation’s Arthritis Store for this and other books about arthritis.

If you feel you need to see a rheumatologist, your primary-care physician can recommend one, although in some cases, your health insurance may dictate the rheumatologist you will see. Another way to find a reputable rheumatologist is by contacting your local Arthritis Foundation office for a list of doctors in your area. You can locate your office by calling (800) 283-7800.

*Unless otherwise noted, information in this section has been provided by The Arthritis Foundation’s Guide to Managing Your Arthritis by Mary Anne Dunkin, copyright ©2001, Arthritis Foundation. For more information about ways to effectively manage your arthritis, or to purchase a copy of Guide to Managing Your Arthritis, call (800) 283-7800.

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What Should I Tell My Doctor?

Thinking about your concerns and writing them down to bring with you when you see your doctor is a handy way to make sure that everything important is discussed. Think about these points before your appointment:

When the pain started
What the pain feels like
How long the pain lasts
What time of day the pain is worst
Other symptoms you’ve noticed
All medications you are currently taking
Any medications you’ve take for arthritis pain, including how often you take them and how well they work
Other medical conditions you have
Childhood illnesses you’ve had
Adult illnesses you’ve had
Surgeries you’ve had
Injuries you’ve had
Lifestyle habits (bad and good)
Medical conditions your family members have had

Words commonly used to describe pain

*Unless otherwise noted, information in this section has been provided by The Arthritis Foundation’s Guide to Managing Your Arthritis by Mary Anne Dunkin, copyright ©2001, Arthritis Foundation. For more information about ways to effectively manage your arthritis, or to purchase a copy of Guide to Managing Your Arthritis, call (800) 283-7800.

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How is arthritis diagnosed?

It is important to find out if you have arthritis and what type it is because treatments vary for each type. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help slow or prevent damage to joints that can occur during the first few years.

It is important that you see a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis and related diseases, such as osteoarthritis. He or she will diagnose osteoarthritis based on your medical history and a physical examination. However, additional procedures may be recommended, such as X-rays, to help confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes of pain, and determine how much joint damage has occurred.

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Dispelling Common Arthritis Myths

Myth: Arthritis is just another term for the aches and pains you get as you grow older.
Arthritis is more prevalent as people age, but arthritis can develop at any age. Arthritis is a complex disease that can cause serious pain and joint damage. Although some forms of arthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions may stay stable without specific medical treatment, other forms, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, may be debilitating, affecting not only joints but also internal organs.

Myth: Arthritis is not a serious health problem.
The various forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases, taken as a whole, comprise the most common chronic health condition in the United States. Arthritis and related conditions affect one in every three people. Arthritis is a major cause of work disability, and the impact of arthritis on the American economy is huge. According to recent estimates, the annual economic impact of arthritis is nearly $125 billion.

Myth: You can’t do much about the pain and disability associated with arthritis.
Currently, there is no cure for arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. However, that doesn’t mean arthritis pain, inflammation, stiffness and other symptoms cannot be treated effectively. There are many over-the-counter medications and topical creams that can relieve minor arthritis pain. For more severe symptoms, your physician can prescribe a number of drugs to relieve the symptoms of arthritis and prevent damage to your joints. In addition, you can try simple, nondrug techniques to combat arthritis symptoms. These methods include treating a painful joint with a heating pad, or trying new exercises to keep joints loose. Click Here

*Information in this section provided by The Arthritis Foundation’s Tips for Good Living with Arthritis, copyright ©2001, Arthritis Foundation. To order this book, call (800) 283-7800 or browse the Arthritis Foundation’s Arthritis Store for this and other books about arthritis.

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