Arthritis is often referred to as a single disease. Arthritis-related problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage and surrounding structures. This can result in joint weakness, instability and deformities that can interfere with the most basic daily tasks.
Arthritis is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia, with 3.85million Australians affected.
The most common forms of arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout, Ankylosing spondylitis, Juvenile arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) and Scleroderma.
Arthritis is not yet curable. While the condition is usually manageable, it invariably impacts on a patient’s quality of life and includes varying degrees of discomfort and pain.
Arthritis Awareness Week 2014 will be from Sunday 23 March to Saturday 29 March. Visit the Arthritis Australia website for more information.
