Living with Osteoarthritis
What is arthritis? – Arthritis means joint inflammation. Inflammation can cause redness and swelling, which over time can lead to pain and/or stiffness in the joint. Arthritis is classified as a chronic condition for which there is no cure.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, formerly known as a “wear and tear” condition and recently redefined by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (ORSI) as the body’s failed attempt to repair damaged joint tissues. Osteoarthritis occurs with the breakdown of cartilage and narrowing of space between the bones. Many factors that influence the development of osteoarthritis include age, gender, obesity, occupation, participation in certain sports, history of joint injury or surgery, and genetics.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis caused by an autoimmune condition that attacks the cartilage in the joints. It tends to affect the joints equally, compared with osteoarthritis that can be localized in certain joints. Rheumatoid arthritis most typically affects those between the ages of 25 and 50.
Symptoms of arthritis range from mild to severe. Individuals with arthritis can experience chronic pain, fatigue, restricted mobility, lowered mood, and other symptoms that can have a negative impact on quality of life. However, although arthritis is not a curable condition, with the right tools in place, individuals with arthritis can enjoy meaningful lives.
Adapted from Arthritis Society Canada
Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute have collaborated to provide a comprehensive resource for patients with osteoarthritis, called Living Your Best Life with Osteoarthritis.
Other Resources:
Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute have collaborated to provide a comprehensive resource for patients with osteoarthritis, called Living Your Best Life with Osteoarthritis.
AB Surgical Care Path and Measurement Framework – an evidence-based, integrated path developed to guide provincial standards for bone and joint health.