Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting nearly 27 million Americans. In Northeastern Ohio, nearly 1.5 million people of all ages have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis – that’s enough people to fill Cleveland Browns stadium 20.5 times!
The impact of osteoarthritis (OA) is staggering. The disease is a major cause of work disability and reduced quality of life. Arthritis and related conditions, like osteoarthritis, cost the U.S. economy nearly $128 billion annually in lost wages, lost productivity and medical costs. The direct cost of OA is about $2,600 per year per person living with osteoarthritis.
According to a 2007 study conducted by the Ohio Department of Health, the northeastern section of the state has the highest prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis at 31 percent.
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The cause of OA is unknown, but certain factors increase the risk of developing OA:
• Heredity
• Overweight
• Joint injury
• Aging
• Lack of physical activity
The diagnosis of arthritis is typically based on medical history and physical examination. Doctors sometimes order additional tests to rule out other causes of pain and assess joint damage.
Treatment options can include a combination of drugs, rest, physical activity, joint protection, use of heat or cold to reduce pain, and therapy.
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program and Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program are offered at more than 200 sites in Northeastern Ohio. Exercise is one of the best ways people with arthritis can manage their disease. The Arthritis Foundation also offers numerous free educational forums throughout the year in our community and in-depth self-help courses.
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To request a free brochure on osteoarthritis or any of the more than 100 forms of arthritis; find an Arthritis Foundation exercise program class in your community; to register for self-help courses, to volunteer; or to learn about upcoming special events, call the Arthritis Foundation, Northeastern Ohio Chapter at 216-831-7000, ext. 114 or 800-245-2275, ext. 114. Visit our Website at: http://northeasternohio.arthritis.org. Find the Arthritis Foundation, Northeastern Ohio Chapter on Facebook.
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