Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint disease-almost
7% of the Australian population has it-according to a new report
launched this morning at the Bone and Joint Decade Patient Advocacy
Meeting on the Gold Coast.
The report, A picture of osteoarthritis in Australia,
produced jointly by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
(AIHW), the Department of Health and Ageing, and Arthritis
Australia, provides key information about the disease, including
how it develops, its symptoms, its impact overall, and how it can
be managed and prevented.
'Osteoarthritis can make it difficult to perform the activities
needed for daily living' said Dr Vanessa Prescott, author of the
report.
Pain, stiffness and mobility limitations, often described in
that order, are major characteristics of osteoarthritis. It can
restrict participation in employment and social life.
Osteoarthritis is one of the major causes of disability in older
age groups. It may also lead to fatigue, depression and
psychological distress.
'Physical therapy, keeping active and taking medication when
necessary can help to reduce symptoms, improve and maintain
mobility and optimize quality of life,' said Dr Kuldeep Bhatia,
Head of the of the AIHW National Centre for Monitoring Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal Conditions. Further management options include
home modifications, surgery, and weight loss in those who are
overweight.
Family members are the main providers of help or informal care
for people with osteoarthritis. The report shows that a large
proportion of carers of people with arthritis-associated disability
spend more than 40 hours a week caring. A large majority (68%) have
been providing care for more than 10 years.
Direct health expenditure on osteoarthritis is more than 2.3% of
the total allocated health expenditure in Australia, with joint
replacement surgery accounting for a large portion of this
spending.
Some key facts about osteoarthritis:
- Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of disability
in Australia.
- The main symptoms of the disease are pain, stiffness and
reduced mobility.
- The most commonly affected joints are the hips, knees, spine
and hands.
- Osteoarthritis is common in older age groups, and affects
females more than males.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding joint injury and
repetitive joint-loading tasks can help to reduce the risk of
developing osteoarthritis.
Arthritis Australia provides a range of management and support
services for people living with osteoarthritis. For more details
1800 011 041.
12 October 2007
Further information: Dr Kuldeep Bhatia, AIHW 02
6244 1144, mob. 0417 880 300
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel. 61 2 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for availability of A picture of
osteoarthritis in Australia.