HealthWise: Arthritis
Play Video: LOW Speed - HIGH Speed
Your will need a free REAL player to view the video.

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases and is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Arthritis has a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of many North Carolinians. The term "arthritis" refers to more than 100 different conditions affecting the joints surrounding connective tissues. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, lupus, bursitis, Lyme disease and many others. Most of these conditions are characterized by pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling around joints. According to the 2002 North Carolina Arthritis Report by the North Carolina Division of Health, State Center for Health Statistics, almost a quarter of North Carolinians (24.8%) surveyed reported physician-diagnosed arthritis. This represents more than 2 million adults. North Carolina's arthritis prevalence is one of the highest in the nation. This puts a tremendous burden on state resources, making arthritis prevention and control a priority. The 2002 DHHS report indicates that many people with arthritis know little about their disease making it difficult to manage the condition without further information. In addition, many of those with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms do not have adequate health insurance. Access to needed health care can also be limited by the lack of resources in a particular geographic area.

In addition to psychological and social costs, the financial burden of arthritis in the United States is enormous. According to the DHHS report, the total costs of arthritis have risen from $65 billion in 1992 to almost $83 billion in 1995.

Panelists and Resources