Arthritis In Women

Arthritis is the most common and disabling chronic condition in American women.  It affects one in seven Americans or 40 million adults; with the aging of the Baby Boomers, 60 million Americans will suffer from arthritis in 2020.  Dr. Donnica Moore discusses the two most common types of arthritis, what their symptoms and consequences are, and the exciting new options now available to treat them.

The term "arthritis" simply refers to an inflammation of the joints.  There are now known to be more than 100 types of arthritis.  Five of those account for nine out of ten cases: osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, lupus, and gout. We will focus on the two most common types of arthritis, both of which are very common in women:  rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. 

Arthritis is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Americans.  It accounts for 45 million physician visits per year, 4 million hospital admissions, and 185 million hospital bed days.  In 1992, the direct and indirect costs of arthritis totaled $65 billion . . .or 1% of our nation's gross national product (GNP)!  Of the 40 million Americans currently affected, apr. 6 million say they have arthritis, but have never consulted a physician about it.