Arthritis: A Common Secondary Condition Among Persons With Disabilities

Experiencing Joint Pain?

Do you experience pain, swelling or stiffness of joints such as in the knee, elbow, wrist or neck? Do your joints become red, warm, swollen and painful, and you feel sick all over? Do you experience unexplained fever, fatigue, weight loss and swollen lymph glands in your body such as in the neck, under the chin, in the armpits, and in the groin for more than two weeks? If you do, you may have arthritis, a chronic disease common among people with disabilities.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints. It includes more than 100 diseases and conditions affecting joints, the surrounding tissues and other connective tissues in many areas of the body. There are three common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, commonly referred as “wear and tear” arthritis, involves destruction of shock absorbers on the ends of the bones. Fibromyalgia causes pain and stiffness in the tissue supporting bones and joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation of joint tissue.

Am I at Risk for Arthritis?

Persons with disabilities may have a higher risk of developing arthritis than those without disability. In fact, chronic pain in muscles and joints is the most frequently reported (55%) secondary health condition among persons with disabilities.¹

Listed below are possible factors that likely increase the risk of arthritis among persons with disability.

• Age: Individuals who are age 45 or older have an increased risk of arthritis. The majority of persons with disabilities falls in this age group.

• Gender: Arthritis is more common among women than men, which is the same for disability.

• Overweight and Obesity: Excess weight can place too much stress on a joint and lead a person to develop knee osteoarthritis. Persons with disability are more likely to be obese than those without disability (32% vs. 20%). Repeated overuse of a joint can cause “wear and tear” and increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Persons with mobility limitation can develop osteoarthritis of the upper extremities from repeated overuse of joints in walking with crutches or pushing a wheelchair.

What Should I Do If I Suspect That I Have Arthritis?

Talk to Your Doctor

Doctors now believe that damage to the bones begins within the first two years that a person has arthritis. Thus, obtaining diagnosis and starting treatment at an early stage of the disease can likely decrease symptoms and long-term complications. For more information on finding a rheumatologist, please contact the Arthritis Foundation, Greater Chicago Chapter (312-372-2080) or Greater Illinois Chapter (309-742-8446) for a copy of the Medical Referral List, updated yearly. For relay service, call 800-526-0857 for voice, or 800-526-0844 for TTY.

Develop Skills

The Arthritis Foundation offers a six-week self-management education course, the Arthritis Foundation Self-Management Program, across Illinois communities. These courses are offered either free or at modest charges at accessible locations. Please visit www.arthritis.org, or contact one of the two Illinois Chapters of the Foundation for more details.

Be Active

Research has shown that physical activity decreases pain and improves joint function. The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program uses low-impact, joint-safe exercises that can be done either in a sitting or standing position. The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program uses gentle resistance in warm water to build muscle strength and joint movement. For both programs, classes are offered at accessible locations. Contact the Arthritis Foundation for class information.

(1) Kinne, S. et al. (2004). Prevalence of secondary conditions among people with disabilities. Am J Public Health, 94(3), 443-5.

This information sheet was prepared by the Illinois Department of Public Health with a goal of promoting health and preventing secondary conditions among Illinois citizens with disabilities. Funding is provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through a cooperative agreement. To learn more about the program and how to become involved, call at 217-782-3300 or TTY 800-547-0466.