If you or someone you know is living with arthritis, you understand that this chronic condition can be incredibly painful and make even the easiest daily tasks seem daunting if not impossible. The Arthritis Foundation reports that more than 100 forms of arthritis and related diseases exist, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, which means that bones begin to rub against one another. Lack of cartilage causes stiffness and pain that makes movement difficult. OA generally occurs in the knees, hips, hands and shoulders, but other joints can also be affected.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory type of arthritis and an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s own immune system attacks the tissues that line joints. Fluid builds up in the joints as a result, and pain and inflammation occur. RA can occur throughout the entire body, and although flare-ups—or intense bouts of pain—can come and go, RA generally gets worse over time.
Arthritis Awareness Month
JFK Medical Center applauds the Arthritis Foundation, a national nonprofit organization, for spreading the word about these and other conditions during National Arthritis Awareness Month. The organization reminds us that May is a great time to raise arthritis awareness and help raise funds for research. Considering that the Centers for Disease Control reports that arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and the number of adults diagnosed with the condition is expected to climb to 67 million by the year 2030, we urge you to take a moment to understand arthritis and help explain it to others.
Suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis? The Orthopedic Institute at JFK Medical Center offers a leading-edge comprehensive approach to arthritis, joint replacement and other orthopedic conditions. Learn more about the Orthopedic Institute online or contact us by phone at (561) 548-3460 or (800) 449-8961. We would love to help answer your questions and address your concerns. To learn more about other departments and services offered at JFK, visit our website or call Consult-A-Nurse at 1-800-616-1927.
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