Arthritis : Both Types are Painful

Arthritis is used to describe more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect the joints, their surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues. It causes pain, physical disability and use of healthcare services in Canada.

According to the Arthritis Society's Ontario Division 2001 Annual Report, arthritis and other rheumatic conditions affected nearly 1.4 million men, women and children in Ontario.

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease results in a breakdown of joint cartilage and changes to underlying bone and supporting tissues. This leads to pain and stiffness, problems with movement, and limits a person's activity. It generally affects the hands, knees, hips and feet. The cause hasn't been identified yet and can develop for no apparent reason or it can start as the result of an injury. When cartilage is destroyed (as in osteoarthritis), the bones of a joint can grind against each other. This grinding results in pain, a loss of mobility, deformity and dysfunction.

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by long-term inflammation of the lining of joints. This results in pain, stiffness and swelling in multiple joints. Some experts believe that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition because the body attacks the tissue that lines its own joints. It generally starts in the hands and feet and moves to other joints in the body.

There is no cure for arthritis. Treatment only attempts to reduce pain, prevent disability and maintain the function of affected joints. It can include physiotherapy, exercise programs, pills and sometimes injections of medication into affected joints. For severe cases of arthritis, surgery might be recommended.

You can reduce the possibility of becoming arthritic by maintaining a healthy weight. If repetitive movement is part of your job, ask a health care professional for advice on how to minimize the risk of arthritis. If you are an athlete or like to exercise a lot, get advice on how to exercise properly. If you injure a joint, get medical care and rehabilitation to help prevent further damage.

To learn more about arthritis talk to your family doctor or another health professional, or contact your local public health unit.

For more information about a wide variety of health topics, visit HealthyOntario.

TORONTO (May 2004) — The McGuinty government is working with health providers and professionals to reduce medical errors and patient safety risks.

As announced in the 2004 Budget, the government is providing $60 million to purchase and install 12,000 patient lifts in hospitals and long-term care homes. These lifts will ensure the safe movement of patients.

Last fall, the Ministry directed Ontario hospitals to conduct an infection control audit in response to improper equipment sterilization. Hospitals will be able to better protect their patients against infection.

The OHA Patient Safety Support Service has been established to raise awareness among hospital management and frontline staff about patient safety. The government is providing $1.4 million to support this two-year initiative.

Working with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Canada, the Ontario government funds the Safe Medication Support Service to help hospitals establish safe drug management processes.

Ontario collaborated with its federal, provincial and territorial partners to establish the Canadian Patient Safety Institute in December 2003. This new institute will provide leadership to build a culture of patient safety throughout the Canadian health care system. It will promote best practices, raise awareness and provide advice on effective strategies to improve patient safety.

In 2003, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provided $480,000 for research exploring nursing's contribution to patient safety. This study is currently underway by the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto.

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