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Questions and Answers

The Arthritis Society routinely receives frequently asked questions and some not so common ones. While the questions are asked by people with varied forms of arthritis and from different regions of the country, they do have something in common - they represent a hunger for knowledge and understanding. We've created this resource area for you to review some of the questions and responses our staff and volunteers gathered. We hope they offer some insights and encourage you to browse further into the site.

The questions are not organized in any particular order. You can browse them twenty questions at a time, or use the search feature to find if any questions were asked about a topic that interests you.

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Question 31
How do they treat arthritis?

An early diagnosis is key to successful treatment. The earlier the dx, the better the final result will be. Treatment is now available that can prevent or reduce disability, but most forms of arthritis cannot yet be eliminated completely. Treatment must be tailored to the individual because what works for one person might not work for another. The treatment program prescribed depends on:

type of arthritis
how severe the disease is
what joints are affected
person's age
everyday activities and lifestyle

Some treatment programs may include a combination of: exercise, joint protection, edication, rest/relaxation, self-help aids, surgery, use of heat and cold. Treatment needs may change from day to day in response to good days and bad. A person usually cannot expect a quick, dramatic change with most treatment programs. Improvement often comes slowly and requires patience.

Question 32
Is there a special diet for arthritis?

Rheumatologists and nutritionists confirm that there is no such thing as an 'arthritis diet.' There is no single food to eat or avoid or dietary regimen to follow in order to make your symptoms disappear. Because the term arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that involve the joints, there is no one treatment - diet or otherwise - for all of the diseases. Researchers do recommend a good balanced diet for people with arthritis. The exceptions are:

GOUT: foods high in purines can raise the level of uric acid in the body.
OA and weight: being overweight can increase the risk of OA in knees.
Osteoporosis: Diet low in calcium or high in alcohol can increase the risk.
Reiters syndrome: Food or water spoiled by certain kinds of bacteria can lead to Reiters syndrome.

Other information source: Find a Dietitian

Question 33
What causes arthritis?

For most types of arthritis the causes are unknown. There are exceptions, which include: infectious arthritis (can be caused by bacterium, fungi, viruses). In some types of arthritis there is an interaction between the inherited susceptibility to a specific type of arthritis (genetic marker) an unbalanced immune system and an infection such as a virus that triggers the disease process. In some types of arthritis there may be a combination of risk factors, including defective cartilage, defect in the way bones fit together and move, an injury, joint damage caused by other types of arthritis, obesity (e.g. OA of the knee). In some types of arthritis, overuse/abuse of the joints, especially repeated use in positions that stress joints can cause the following types of arthritis: bursitis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome.

Question 34
What is 'arthritis?'

The term arthritis is used to refer to more than 100 related diseases, known as rheumatic diseases. This group includes diseases that affect: joints, bones, and supporting tissue such as bursa, tendons, muscles, ligaments. Arthritis causes pain and loss of movement. Some types of arthritis can harm other parts of the body including: internal organs (heart, lungs, kidneys) and the skin. Depending on the type of arthritis, the disease may last a long time(chronic) or go away in time. Some types of arthritis can cause inflammation which is pain, redness, stiffness, loss of motion, swelling, warmth in joints. Some types may affect many parts of the body in addition to joints. Some types may be limited to only 1 or a few parts of the body, usually the joints and/or supportive tissue. In other types, different joints can be affected at the same time. A person can have more than 1 type of arthritis at the same time.

Question 35
What is ASMP (Arthritis Self-Management Program)?

ASMP is a health promotion program designed to help you: better understand your arthritis, learn ways to cope with chronic pain, and take a more active role in your arthritis care. It is available in communities across Canada. It is a six session program that meets once a week for two hours for six consecutive weeks. The course cost includes the book The Arthritis Helpbook . If you would like more information, please contact the coordinator of the program. Call 1-800-321-1433.

Question 37
What are warning signs and symptoms of arthritis?

The seven warning signs of arthritis are: swelling in one or more joints, early morning stiffness, recurring pain or tenderness in any joint, inability to move a joint normally, obvious redness and warmth in a joint, unexplained weight loss, fever or weakness combined with joint pain and symptoms such as these that last for more than two weeks.

Question 38
What is rheumatism?

Rheumatism is an imprecise term that includes not only problems with the joints, but any problem affecting the body's musculoskeletal system.

Question 39
What is the life expectancy for arthritis?

Most forms of arthritis do not affect life expectancy or cause early death. Factors that can determine whether or not life expectancy may be affected include the following: the type of arthritis - systemic forms that affect many body parts can sometimes cause serious problems; the severity of arthritis; the parts of the body affected - if arthritis affects the vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys, or lungs, life expectancy may be affected;   complications from arthritis treatments, such as bleeding or stomach ulcers may also influence life expectancy. Consult your doctor if you have questions about your type of arthritis and its potential effect on life expectancy.

Question 40
Is arthritis contagious?

You cannot catch arthritis from someone else who has it, like you can can catch chicken pox or the flu. However, some types of arthritis are caused by infections resulting from bacteria, viruses or funguses (these infections may be passed on from person to person but arthritis may or may not develop).

Question 41
What is the course or nature of arthritis?

Most types of arthritis are chronic, which means they may last a long time. Most types of arthritis are unpredictable or 'up & down' in nature. Remissions may occur (these are periods when no symptoms are felt, and these periods can last for a day, weeks, months, and even years.) Flare ups (or flares) may also occur. These are periods when symptoms recur or worsen. These flares may follow: changes in treatment, childbirth, emotional stress, over-exertion or surgery. There is no way to predict when remissions or flare-ups will occur or how long they will last. Proper treatment can help control pain and minimize joint damage for most people. Treatments work best when begun early in the course of the disease. A person must stay on their prescribed treatment program even during periods of remission.

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