6-6-06

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S. today.

Arthritis and chronic joint symptoms affect nearly 70 million Americans or about one in every three adults. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease, and one of the leading causes of disability says Dr. Mark Francis, associate professor and chief of rheumatology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. He explains how the disease can affect people.

SOUND BITE: " . . . the main symptoms are pain in and about joints and stiffness. So people may notice when they get up in the morning they have stiffness. It usually eases in about 10 to 15 minutes. People may also notice it when they have been sitting for a long period of time such as watching a movie that they may feel stiff when they first get up after that."

Osteoarthritis can affect most joints of a person’s body, especially the knees, hips and big toe. The disease causes pain, loss of movement, swelling and sometimes a feeling of warmth in the area. Dr. Francis suggests that exercise, especially swimming and losing weight, can be helpful. He explains other treatment options.

SOUND BITE: "For osteoarthritis, acetaminophen or Tylenol is a brand name for that, can be useful for a great number of people. Occasionally we need to use anti-inflammatory agents such as Advil or Aleve. Occasionally, we’ll use steroid injections into joints and it can progress even further until the point where some people will need joint replacement surgery."

Anyone experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis should see their primary care physician for evaluation and possible treatment. If the condition is severe, they may be referred to a rheumatologist.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.