How common is Arthritis in Australia?
According to Arthritis Australia, arthritis is a very common condition that affects more than 36 million individuals living in Australia or 1 in 7 Australians. This condition has a large effect on an individual’s ability to work, causing 54,000 people between 15 and 64 to be unable to work. It is also listed as the second leading cause of early retirement due to ill health. Because arthritis is such a large determinant of an individual’s work, it is important to determine what help is available with TPD claims.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a term that describes all the conditions affecting the joints.
Joints are the places where two bones meet in the body. Including your knee, hip, wrist, and many more places. Arthritis causes your joints to become inflamed, which can cause a lot of pain. Arthritis can affect any part of the joint and nearly every joint in the body.
What are the different types of arthritis?
The most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis – A long-term condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and discomfort. The joints become inflamed and damaged eventually causing the bones to rub together.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – A chronic autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks the lining of the joints and causes them to become inflamed.
- Gout – Inflammation in the joint caused by a build-up of uric acid. This commonly affects the big toe but is not limited.
- Ankylosing spondylitis – A condition mainly affecting the spine. It is caused by stiffness in the joints of the neck, back, and pelvis, but can also involve the hips and shoulders.
There are many more different types of arthritis beyond this list that affect different joints in the body.
What are the causes of arthritis?
There are many causes of arthritis, including but not limited to:
- The immune system attacks the joint tissue which is typically inherited genetically
- Other immune system problems
- Metabolic conditions (gout)
- An infection
- Environmental factors like obesity, sports injuries, previous damage, or repeated use of one joint
What are the symptoms associated with arthritis?
According to Health Direct, if you have arthritis, you will almost certainly have symptoms relating to your joints, such as:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness and warmth in a joint
- Stiffness or reduced movement
Some people also get other problems outside their joints. Other common symptoms include:
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
- Feeling unwell
What help is available for Australians with arthritis?
The treatments for arthritis are meant to reduce damage to the joints and deal with the symptoms.
This includes but is not limited to medication and pain management techniques.
Super Claims Assist can help Australians with arthritis claim the money they deserve to support them throughout their treatment.
