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Arthritis 101. Arthritis Information line 1-800-321-1433 (ext. 1) info@ab.arthritis.ca www.arthritis.ca. Program Overview. A rthritis Information Becoming a Self-Manager Community Resources and Tools. Arthritis Information. Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. Symptoms include:
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Arthritis 101 Arthritis Information line 1-800-321-1433 (ext. 1) info@ab.arthritis.ca www.arthritis.ca
Program Overview • Arthritis Information • Becoming a Self-Manager • Community Resources and Tools
Arthritis Information Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. Symptoms include: • Pain • Stiffness • Occasional swelling • Difficulty moving a joint • Joint damage
Dispelling Arthritis Myths MYTH 1: Arthritis is just aches and pains FACT: Arthritis causes severe joint pain and damage MYTH 2: Arthritis is a disease of the elderly FACT: Arthritis can strike anyone at anytime MYTH 3: Arthritis is not a costly disease FACT: Arthritis costs $6.4 billion in labour market and healthcare costs annually
You Are Not Alone! • Affects one in six Canadians • More women than men are affected • Juvenile arthritis affects those under the age of 16 • More than 100 different types • A cure has yet to be found
Joint Points • Cartilage is 65-85% water • Pressure on our knees is 10X our body weight when we run • No man-made substance is a better shock absorber than cartilage
Impact of Arthritis • Difficulty with daily tasks • Stress • Disability
Limiting the Impact Early diagnosis, self-management and treatment can help you take control of your disease and avoid serious joint damage.
Early Warning Signs • Pain in your joints for six weeks or more • Morning stiffness or trouble moving joints upon waking • Swelling to any of your joints • Pain that interferes with your work and/or daily activities
Categories There are two main categories of arthritis:
Inflammatory Arthritis • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Autoimmune disease • Extreme fatigue • Unusual stiffness • Pain and swelling • Restricted movement • Tends to be symmetrical
Age (often starts age 30 – 60) Family history Gender (female) Trigger (viral or environmental) Smoking Risk Factors - Inflammatory
Diagnosis - Inflammatory • Personal medical history • Family history • Joint examination • Blood tests • X-rays
Degenerative Arthritis • Osteoarthritis • Affects 1 in 10 people • Degeneration of cartilage • Pain and stiffness • Decreased range of motion • Tends to be asymmetrical
Age Family history Excess weight Joint injury Other types of arthritis Risk Factors - Degenerative
Diagnosis - Degenerative • Personal medical history • Family history • Joint examination • Rule out other types • X-rays - changes are • visible
Inflammatory or Degenerative? I D I D
Inflammatory or Degenerative? D I D I D
How Arthritis is Managed • Nutrition • Physical activity • Medications • Self-Management • Surgery
Becoming a Self-Manager We are all responsible for managing our own health!
Self-Management Self-Managers… • Take control • Work in partnership • Make decisions • Make sure it gets done!
Self-Management Key elements of self-management • Communication • Physical activity • Nutrition • Treatment • Joint protection
The key to success in any undertaking is first learning a set of skills and then practicing them until they have been mastered Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP) 1-800-321-1433
Communication Your arthritis health care team The more you know about your disease, the more control you have and the better you will feel!
Communication Who’s who on the team? Pharmacist Family physician Social worker Rheumatologist
Communication Who’s who on the team? Nurse Orthopedic surgeon Physical therapist Occupational therapist
Communication Who’s missing? Let’s brainstorm who’s missing from this list: Nutritionist Massage Therapist
Communication Your family and friends • Know how to communicate your needs to family and friends. • Let them know when you need help and when to allow you your independence.
Communication Your co-workers and employer We’ll help your co-workers and employer learn more about the disease to ensure success in the workplace.
Communication Putting your pain into words Being able to describe your pain helps your health care team diagnose and help you. Here are some examples of words to describe pain: Deep Sharp and throbbing Dull Pins and needles Shooting Let’s work together as a group to expand this list.
Physical Activity The revolution in treatment is physical activity Pain causes activity function and quality of life
Physical activity makes sense • Reduces stress and promotes relaxation • Improves sleep quality and duration • Enhances emotional wellbeing • Reduces body fat while increasing muscle mass • Strengthens immune system • Regains or maintains independence
Nutrition Healthy eating habits… • Improve energy • Reduce the risk of many other health issues
Nutrition Good nutrition helps you: • Manage symptoms • Prevent complications • Gain control of your health
Canada's food guide can help you plan for better overall nutrition Visit Health Canada’s website today to create your own customized food guide! www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Treatment Medication is no magic bullet… Inflammatory Pain relievers Anti-inflammatories Injections: steroids Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) Biologics Degenerative Pain relievers Anti-Inflammatories Injections: steroids & viscosupplementation
Surgery Often a last resort; may be necessary if: • Your joints become badly damaged or your pain is extreme • Inflammatory arthritis is not responding to medication
Alternative Therapies Complementary and Alternative Therapies include: • Other healthcare providers • Supplements • Psychological techniques • Physical and topical treatments
Joint Protection • Pacing • Positioning • Adaptation • Assistive devices
Take an active role Journaling or record-keeping Keeping a journal or health record is an excellent way to log information about you and your arthritis.
Take an active role • Take part in decision making • Be honest with yourself and others • Learn as much as you can about your arthritis • Understand your options • Be persistent • Keep track of progress • Explore all options • Don’t give up!
CommunityResources and Tools The Arthritis Society has developed formsto help you optimize the time you have with your doctor.
Beat the Clock Toolkit The Toolkit helps to • Improve communication • Save you time!
Remember… Be realistic. Take Part Be ready for your visit. Talk about all symptoms. What do you expect from the health care provider? Prepare Ask questions about the diagnosis, test results, treatments and if follow-up is required. Ask Briefly repeat what both of you discussed. Repeat Follow up on any instructions/recommendations. Take Action
Important Connections The Arthritis Society Programs • Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP) • Chronic Pain Management (in select communities) • Physical Activity and Arthritis • Joint Health in the Workplace Arthritis Information Line 1-800-321-1433 (ext. 1) info@ab.arthritis.ca www.arthritis.ca
Local Resources • Lethbridge • Medicine Hat • Calgary • Red Deer • Camrose • Edmonton • Edson • Grande Prairie • Fort McMurray
5 Tips for fighting arthritis Summary • Get educated • Stay involved • Know your team and resources • Stay healthy • Know your medication responsibilities
Arthritis Action Plan • We all need a plan • What did you learn? • What did you want? • What can you do next?
Next Steps • Continue your arthritis education journey • Commit to becoming the best self-manager you can be • Make the connections you need