My mother is a senior and has been diagnosed with arthritis. Will I get arthritis too?

Arthritis is a group of more than 100 disease that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling to joints. It is a disease that ranges from mild tendonitis to overwhelming rheumatoid arthritis that affects every part of the body. It causes inflammation of the joints and can be very devastating. Inflammation is a natural response to injury and causes redness, heat, swelling, pain and can prevent the normal use of the joint. You may have any or all of these symptoms when a joint is inflamed. Early in the illness, there may be no symptoms.

Your joints may be stiff in the mornings or when you have not been moving for a while. The muscles may become weak and your joints may creak or grind. Joints ache and burn. You may have pain while you sleep or the pain may always be present. Joints can become visibly deformed and swollen. Your doctor will diagnose arthritis based on your symptoms and examination of your joints. Tests such as x-rays and blood work may help with diagnosis.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis which frequently affects seniors. Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in seniors. When you have osteoarthritis, the cartilage within your joints wears down and is damaged causing pain, stiffness and swelling. Cartilage is the tough elastic substance that provides cushioning and shock absorption between bones allowing them to slide past each other smoothly. When your cartilage is damaged, the bones grind against each other. They become painful, deformed and do not function properly Weight bearing joints like hips, knees, back and feet are most often affected by osteoarthritis. You can get arthritis in almost any other joint.

Risk factors that increase your chance of developing osteoarthritis include age, excess weight, history of injuries and illness, family history of osteoarthritis, and not being physically active. Some of these risk factors cannot be changed however you can reduce your chance of developing osteoarthritis by exercising regularly keeping your muscles strong and joints flexible. Decrease the stress placed on your joints by eating healthy and maintaining your weight. Prevent stress on your joints by learning how to lift things safely. Ask for help when lifting heavy objects.

Treatment is different for each person. Treatments commonly used for osteoarthritis include medications to decrease the pain, heat for pain and cold for swelling, physiotherapy, and surgery to correct the problem. Some people use devices such as canes and walkers to decrease the weight they place on the joint. Usually a combination of therapies helps symptoms the most. You should discuss treatment options with your doctor.

For more information about arthritis, or for available programs and services, contact Health Link Alberta where nurses are available 24-7 to provide health advice and information. Call 1-866-408-LINK (5465) or 780-408-LINK (Edmonton area) or 403-943-LINK (Calgary area).