Arthritis is used to describe more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect the joints, their surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues. It causes pain, physical disability and use of healthcare services in Canada.

According to the Arthritis Society's Ontario Division, arthritis and other rheumatic conditions affect nearly 1.4 million men, women and children in the province.

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease results in a breakdown of joint cartilage and changes to underlying bone and supporting tissues. This leads to pain and stiffness, problems with movement, and limits a person's activity. It generally affects the hands, knees, hips and feet. The cause hasn't been identified yet and can develop for no apparent reason or it can start as the result of an injury. When cartilage is destroyed (as in osteoarthritis), the bones of a joint can grind against each other. This grinding results in pain, a loss of mobility, deformity and dysfunction.

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by long-term inflammation of the lining of joints. This results in pain, stiffness and swelling in multiple joints. Some experts believe that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition because the body attacks the tissue that lines its own joints. It generally starts in the hands and feet and moves to other joints in the body.

There is no cure for arthritis. Treatment only attempts to reduce pain, prevent disability and maintain the function of affected joints. It can include physiotherapy, exercise programs, pills and sometimes injections of medication into affected joints. For severe cases of arthritis, surgery might be recommended.

You can reduce the possibility of becoming arthritic by maintaining a healthy weight. If repetitive movement is part of your job, ask a health care professional for advice on how to minimize the risk of arthritis. If you are an athlete or like to exercise a lot, get advice on how to exercise properly. If you injure a joint, get medical care and rehabilitation to help prevent further damage.

To learn more about arthritis talk to your family doctor or another health professional, or contact your local public health unit.

For more information about a wide variety of health topics, visit HealthyOntario.

May 2004

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