Arthritis Foundation map showing the number of states with a shortage of pediatric rheumatologists. Click here to find out more.
October 12 is World Arthritis Day (#WAD2016), and while we aren’t meant to celebrate pain, stiff joints, and fatigue, it is the perfect opportunity to reflect on America’s number one cause of disability: arthritis.
So, pay attention, kids. School is in session, and some of these Arthritis 101 facts from the Arthritis Foundation may surprise you.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (the most common type), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, lyme disease, scleroderma, and psoriatic arthritis, which is what my son Andy and I have.
Arthritis affects one in five adults, as well as one in 250 children in the United States alone. That’s 50 million adults and 300,000 babies (yes, babies!) and children.
Arthritis affects all races and genders, though some forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid, is more common in women than in men.
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America.
Common symptoms of arthritis include swelling, pain, and stiffness of the joints, as well as decreased range of motion. Andy and I both have experienced all of these at one time or another, and even all at the same time on occasion.
Nearly half of adults with arthritis also have at least one other disease or condition. Some types of arthritis also affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, and skin. Experts estimate that nearly 30% of people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis. Lucky us (insert sarcasm)! And some forms of arthritis also affect the eyes, such as chronic dry eye, which I have, and uveitis, which can make you go blind if not treated in time.
Arthritis can be mild or severe, and while some patients may go into remission, there is still no cure.
People with arthritis or a related rheumatic condition lose more workdays every year due to illness or injury than adults with any other medical condition.
Regular physical activity is important to relieving pain and maintaining range of motion. (One of the many reasons why I kickbox.) Despite this, 23 million people with arthritis are limited in their ability to do daily activities like standing, bending, walking, and climbing stairs.
Arthritis medications, especially those for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis found on Tier 4 (Specialty Tier Drugs), can cost up to $4,000 per month. Insurance companies often charge patients a percentage of the drug cost, rather than a fixed co-pay amount. This translates to some patients having to pay $2,000 per month out of pocket for just one medication. Yeah, arthritis is expensive!
Pediatric rheumatologists are in high demand because many states have less than four doctors to treat all of the children and teens throughout the entire state. In Alaska, there are no pediatric rheumatologists. Imagine how far patients have to travel within the United States to get proper care. And for those who cannot travel, the littlest of patients often see pediatricians who tend not to be adequately trained in childhood arthritis, or they see adult rheumatologists who are not trained to deal with pediatric issues. Case in point: My adult rheumatologist told me that my son at age 8 was incorrectly diagnosed because kids don’t get arthritis. Really?
So, what can we do to help? Get involved!
Write to your elected officials an tell them patients need better access to care and medications.
Volunteer at a children’s arthritis camp, like Camp Dakota, in Lapeer, Mich.
Participate in a fundraising event in your area to raise awareness and funds for research.
If you have arthritis, share your knowledge and hope with others who are newly diagnosed. You never know who you will impact the most and how great it will feel to make a difference.
