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Arthritis
Overview
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Arthritis is characterized by pain, swelling and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body.  Nearly 50 million people in the US have some form of arthritis or chronic joint pain. Arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases and arthritis is often mistakenly associated with old age.  However, arthritis diseases affect people of all ages.
Arthritis is characterized by pain, swelling and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body.

The two most common forms of arthritis include:

  • Osteoarthritis—the most common.  It is a chronic disease typically involving the weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip and spine and afflicts nearly 21 million people in the United States.
  • Rheumatoid—an inflammatory disease that involves the lining of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.  More than 2 million people in the United States are afflicted and it is more common among women.  Rheumatoid arthritis generally strikes at a younger age than Osteoarthritis.
Fibromyalgia is chronic widespread pain in muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints.  Fibromyalgia can exist along or along with other conditions.
Continuum of care
No matter the source, chronic joint and muscle pain may be managed with a combination of approaches that range from medication and physical therapy to lifestyle changes.  Holland Hospital offers a full continuum of care including physical, occupational and behavioral health.
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