Arthritis - General Introduction

Arthritis affects over 3.4 million people in Australia, making it our number one cause of disability and chronic pain. According to leading research group Access Economics, current trends suggest that 20 percent of the Australian population - 4.6 million (one in five) people - will suffer from some form of Arthritis by the year 2020.¹

Arthritis is often referred to as a single disease. In fact, it is an umbrella term for more than 100 medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically joints, where two or more bones meet. Arthritis-related problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tissue that covers the ends of bones, enabling them to move against each other) and surrounding structures. This may result in joint weakness, instability and deformities that can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, driving a car and preparing food.² Inflammation of the joint is commonly found in knee and hip joints. Pain and levels of discomfort vary from mild to moderate or severe.

¹ Arthritis Australia www.arthritisaustralia.com.au
² Arthritis Australia www.arthritisaustralia.com.au