As one of the most common chronic diseases in Canada, arthritis is also one of the most misunderstood. While the many myths surrounding it may flourish, the Arthritis Society of Canada sets the record straight here on four of the most common misconceptions:
. Myth 1: Arthritis is one disease.
In fact, there are more than 100 types of arthritis. Some types are caused by joint inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
The most prevalent type is osteoarthritis (OA), which affects more than three million Canadians. It progresses when cartilage, the material covering and protecting the ends of bones, begins to wear away and results in joint dysfunction.
. Myth 2: Arthritis is just aches and pains.
In fact, arthritis ranks first among women and second among men for causes of disability in Canada. Severe joint pain and inflammation, as well as fatigue, are common symptoms of the disease. Arthritis can inhibit daily activities most take for granted, such as getting dressed, opening a door or holding a fork.
. Myth 3: Arthritis is a disease of the elderly. In fact, it can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, physical condition or ethnic background. Of the 4.6 million Canadians with arthritis, about 60 per cent are of working age. Approximately 61,500 Canadian babies, toddlers, children and young adults live with the intense pain and disability of this disease. Children's arthritis can be more common than other well-known chronic childhood illnesses such as leukemia, diabetes and cystic fibrosis.
. Myth 4: Arthritis is not costly.
In fact, reports estimate it may cost the Canadian economy more than $33 billion annually in health-care expenses and lost work days. Over a quarter of men and women with arthritis, between the ages of 25 and 44, are not in the workforce.
The problem is expected to get worse. In fact, within 30 years it is projected that a new diagnosis of OA will occur every minute, meaning that 30 per cent of the labour force will have difficulty working.
More information is available online at www. arthritis.ca or toll-free at 1.800.321.1433.
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