Arthritis
Arthritis is considered, in general terms, as inflammation of the joints. However there are over 120 different types of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions that can affect individuals from infancy to old age.
Arthritis is increasing in Australia, with statistics now showing 1 in 5 Australians have some form of musculoskeletal condition. Because of its progressive nature and chronicity, the cost of treating and living with arthritis is higher than for any other chronic illness.
Types of arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition where catilage – the spongy, protective tissues in your joints – becomes thin and loses its ability to stretch and bend. When catilage becomes thin or is completely worn away, the bones in your joints can start to rub against each other. This leads to symptoms like pain, swelling and, in some cases, a feeling that the joint might lock or give way. Click here for Osteoarthritis fact sheet
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the lining of the joints becomes inflamed. This inflammation leads to fluid build up, causing swelling and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age and is the second most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly half a million Australians.
At present, the causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not fully understood and research continues. Rheumatoid arthritis can also be triggered by other factors, including smoking and a range of infections and viruses. Click here for Rheumatoid arthritis fact sheet
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
JIA is a type of arthritis affecting children under the age of 16. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness and warmth around the joint area.
Any or all of these symptoms can occur and there is also a considerable risk that, with time, the joints can become permanently damaged. This leads to loss of joint movement and makes normal daily activities more difficult. Click here for Arthritis NSW Children’s Services
Gout
Gout is a common and painful condition that affects the joints. Small crystals form in and around the joint, causing inflammation, pain and swelling. These crystals are made of one of the body’s normal waste products, uric acid. Normally the body rides itself of extra uric acid through the kidneys into the urine. However, this does not happen fast enough in people with gout. This causes uric acid levels to build up and the crystals to form. Gout can be well controlled if managed correctly. Click here for Gout fact sheet
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that causes pain and swelling of the affected joints. Symptoms also include pain and redness in the eyes, changes in fingernails and toenails, such as thickening and colour change or separation of the skin. Click here for Psoriatic arthritis fact sheet
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition that mainly affects the spine. The joints of the neck, back and pelvis become inflamed, causing pain and stiffness. Other joints such as hips and shoulders can be affected, as well as other parts of the body, such as eyes, skin, bowel and lungs. The symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis usually start between 15-45 years old. Click here for Ankylosing Spondylitis fact sheet
Fibromyalgia (FMS)
Fibromyalgia is a name given to a group of symptoms apparent by generalised pain and muscle stiffness. These symptoms can affect different areas of the body. Extreme fatigue and sleep problems are also common. FMS does not cause inflammation or damage to the painful areas, but seems to be due to an over active pain system. Click here for Fibromyalgia fact sheet
Recent Videos:
Arthritis NSW together with Inspired Adventures invite you to take the trip you have always dreamt of! Challenge yourself on this unforgettable 10 day adventure & trek the Great Wall of China. All funds raised will go toward providing support, advice, information, community awareness and research for people with arthritis. For more information and [...]
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most serious form of arthritis. It is not a rare disease, affecting around half a million Australians. Of these cases almost 60% are women. As part of Arthritis Awareness Week 2010, Arthritis Australia and the Australian Rheumatology Association began a campaign to give a voice to the almost 300,000 [...]
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Arthritis NSW is offering a number of warm water exercises classes throughout NSW giving you the opportunity to exercise, with guidance from a trained instructor, in a friendly and social environment.