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About arthritis - who gets arthritis?

  About arthritis
Green arrow pointing to sub-menu option The anatomy of a joint
Green arrow pointing to sub-menu option Facts about arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions
Green arrow pointing to sub-menu option Treatment options
Who gets arthritis?

There is a widely held misconception that arthritis (or rheumatism) is "something that happens to old people which makes them a bit sore".

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Anyone from as young as six months of age can develop arthritis. Most people however will develop it between age 15 and 65 - "the productive years".

There are over 90,000 Tasmanians with arthritis. One child in every 1000 in Australia is diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.
Green arrow pointing to subject heading Impact on living

The effects of arthritis are far greater than making one a "bit sore". Arthritis is a condition that impacts negatively on a person's quality of life and includes varying degrees of discomfort and pain.

It is in fact not one but over 100 different diseases associated with joint inflammation. More common examples include gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
These diseases can make even the simplest of tasks arduous and painful chores.

Green arrow pointing to subject heading Ecomonic impact

Arthritis has a significant economic impact. If affects nearly 11% of the workforce in Australia.

Rheumatoid arthritis in particular is recognised as one of the major health reasons for leaving work early. Arthritis is responsible for nearly 1.8 million days of reduced activity and about 213,000 days off work or school each year in Australia.

Many employees with arthritis rarely reach their potential in their workplace and invariably retire young, relying on the help of family and friends to perform the tasks of daily living.

Green arrow pointing to subject heading Women and children

Arthritis often strikes young women after pregnancy and childbirth, resulting in severe pain and disruption to family life. When children are affected, they can develop lifelong disabilities.

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This page was last modified on Tuesday, April 10, 2007

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