Living Well with Arthritis

Nearly one in five adults suffer from arthritis or chronic joint pain. In fact, arthritis is the leading cause of disability among American adults. What is this debilitating disease and what can be done for those that are suffering from it?

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis literally means "joint inflammation" and encompasses over 100 different diseases that affect the areas in and around the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is called a degenerative joint disease because it results from the deterioration of cartilage that covers the end of the bones in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, the second most common form of arthritis, is an autoimmune disease in which the lining of multiple joints in the body becomes inflamed as a result of the body's immune system activity. Although RA affects only 1/10 as many people as osteoarthritis it is one of the most serious and debilitating types of arthritis. Other forms of arthritis include gout, lupus, fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis where the inflammation causes the bones of the spine to grow together.

Who gets it and what is the treatment?

Arthritis is often associated with old age. And, in fact, osteoarthritis is most prevalent in people over age 60.

However, arthritis can affect anyone at any age. There are more than 46million adults and over 300,000 children in the US currently suffering from one of the forms of arthritis.

Over 50% of arthritis suffers believe there is nothing that can be done to help them. However, while there is no cure for most forms of arthritis there are new treatments that can help alleviate symptoms and greatly slow the progression of the disease. New drugs, surgeries and exercise programs have made huge inroads into alleviating the pain and increasing mobility of arthritis sufferers. Physicians are also realizing that forming a partnership with patients, families and support networks in the management of the disease can improve results dramatically.

Coping with Arthritis:

It is important to look at physical, emotional and mental aspects of coping with a chronic condition such as arthritis. Physicians recommend the following:

1. Get information about the disease.

2. Beware of depression and take steps to seek treatment if necessary.

3. Form a partnership with your doctor.

4. Don't delay getting treatment or making prescribed lifestyle changes.

5. Let others help you.

Prognosis and Financial Implications

Osteoarthritis usually comes on slowly. Early in the disease, joints may ache after physical work or exercise. Over time, symptoms may become more severe.

Right now, over 7 million people in this country currently need help with at least two activities of daily living (such as dressing and bathing) due to arthritis.

While many people are able to manage for many years with only the assistance of friends and relatives, as symptoms worsen, professional LTC services are often needed. If you or your loved one has arthritis we'd encourage you to do a review of your LTC insurance (LINK TO LTC quote) plan and investigate the availability and cost of your local private and public LTC services. As we've There are various alternative financing products that can supplement your LTCi policy if needed. (LINK TO ALTERNATIVES) Knowing what to expect and taking the time to develop a financial plan of care can considerably reduce the stress of dealing with chronic conditions.

To find a group in your area we recommend visiting the Arthritis Foundation's excellent website at www.arthritis.org.