{"id":38635,"date":"2021-01-21T13:47:17","date_gmt":"2021-01-21T18:47:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.canadahelps.org\/?p=38635"},"modified":"2024-11-04T10:24:34","modified_gmt":"2024-11-04T15:24:34","slug":"how-research-is-giving-hope-and-changing-the-future-of-arthritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.canadahelps.org\/en\/giving-life\/connecting-with-charities\/how-research-is-giving-hope-and-changing-the-future-of-arthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"How Research is Giving Hope and Changing the Future of Arthritis"},"content":{"rendered":"

This blog post was provided by Arthritis Research Canada<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/h4>\n

Many assume arthritis is no more than aches and pains, and that it only affects older people. Being told \u201cyou\u2019re too young to have arthritis,\u201d or \u201cyou don\u2019t look sick,\u201d is all-too-common for people struggling with this invisible and debilitating disease. People with arthritis may look healthy on the outside, when in reality they\u2019re grappling with chronic pain that is anything but \u201cnormal\u201d on the inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Arthritis changes your life \u2013 from how you live to how long you live. When your body hurts from cartilage breakdown or joint inflammation, everyday tasks can seem impossible. Working, caring for young children, and staying active, all present new challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

At Arthritis Research Canada, our scientists work in partnership with patients to ensure our research is meaningful and helpful – practical research for everyday living. Our research is finding answers that eases pain, lessens disability and improves quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Arthritis?<\/h2>\n

Over 6 million Canadians, young and old, are affected by arthritis. The term is used to describe more than 100 types of diseases that affect the joints and tissues surrounding joints and other connective tissues. Most often arthritis is characterized by inflammation and can result in pain, stiffness, soreness, and reduced mobility. People with arthritis are more at risk of experiencing life-threatening complications, such as heart attacks, strokes and hip fractures. If left untreated, arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage and deformity.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory arthritis (IA). Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease caused when extra strain is placed on the joints over a long period of time leading to wear and tear to the cartilage that protects the ends of the bones. Inflammatory arthritis happens when the body\u2019s immune system misidentifies healthy tissue as harmful and starts attacking it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you know?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • Arthritis occurs most often in women. It is the number one most reported chronic condition by women and the third by men.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • People of ALL ages can get arthritis, including children.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Arthritis is more severe and three times more common in Indigenous people.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Arthritis is responsible for one in ten doctor visits and one in sixteen hospitalizations.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Arthritis is the number one cause of work disability.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Helping People Triumph Over Arthritis<\/h2>\n

    Arthritis Research Canada\u2019s team of over 100 research scientists, assistants, and trainees are creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Here are the personal stories of two inspiring individuals who are shining a spotlight on arthritis and dispelling myths associated with the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How Spencer O\u2019Brien, Canadian Olympic snowboarder and Arthritis Research Canada\u2019s spokesperson, was able to get back on top of her game.<\/i><\/h4>\n