Rheumatic Diseases
This category includes: rheumatoid
arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus erythmatosus and ankylosing
spondylitis. These conditions tend to
worsen progressively, causing mild to severe pain and stiffness in joints, neck, shoulders
and hips.
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The number of people in Wisconsin today with arthritis is estimated to be 800,000, or
approximately 16% of the state population.
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Of the 800,000 individuals with arthritis, 4,000 are children.
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The prevalence of arthritis increases with age: 14% of men and 20% of women age 45-54;
21% of men and 36% of women age 55-64; 36% of men and 51% of women age 65 and over.
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Two-thirds of people with arthritis are women: arthritis is the most common and
disabling condition reported by women—far ahead of hypertension, heart disease,
breast cancer, cervical and ovarian cancers and diabetes.
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While there is no cure for rheumatic diseases, effective relief is available from
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, exercise, rest, joint
protection techniques or surgery.
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The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it may be the body’s
immune system attacking healthy joint tissue.
For further information, visit the website of the Arthritis
Foundation (exit DHS).
Last Revised: July 12, 2010
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