FAQs

How common is arthritis?

A study conducted in 2000 by the CDC showed that one third of all women and one fourth of all men have arthritis. 16 percent of all people between the ages of 18 and 44 have arthritis. 39% of all people between the ages of 45 and 64 have arthritis and 53 percent of all people over 65 have arthritis.

What is osteoarthritis?

This type of arthritis is a disease that primarily affects the cartilage. Cartilage is the cushioning material located inside the joint. When the cartilage surface is damaged and irregular, then the joint surface has uneven forces resulting in further damage, cartilage loss and joint pain. Studies have shown that several factors predict the development of knee ostearthritis. These include heredity and weight and prior injuries to the joints. Preliminary data show that glucosamine seems to reduce the knee pain in osteoarthritis. Larger studies are being conducted at the present time.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

This type of arthritis primarily affects the synovial lining of the joint. The cells of the lining proliferate and the entire lining becomes thickened and inflamed. RA can also affect other organs such as the lining around the lungs.

Is exercise harmful in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis?

There is no evidence that sensible exercise such as walking and swimming can cause arthritis to worsen. In fact, muscle strengthening is clearly beneficial. Exercise may also be beneficial by increasing the blood flow to the joint and promoting healing. Endorphins that are released during exercise may help alleviate pain.

What is a rheumatologist?

A rheumatologist is usually board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. After medical school, training is a minimum of 3 years of Internal Medicine followed by 2 more years focusing on the rheumatic diseases. The rheumatic diseases consist of a group of related disorders including at least 100 causes of joint pain. Rheumatologists also specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. Rheumatologists do not perform operations, but they inject joints with medications and remove fluid from joints for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

What is systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an inflammatory connective tissue disease of unknown cause that occurs chiefly in women and that is characterized especially by fever, skin rash, and arthritis, often by acute hemolytic anemia, by small hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, by inflammation of the pericardium, and in serious cases by involvement of the kidneys and central nervous system -- called also systemic lupus (Merriam-Webster online).