The word 'Arthritis' conjures images of wrinkly, gnarly-jointed old people, right?

The word 'Arthritis' conjures images of wrinkly, gnarly-jointed old people, right? I know that’s rude but you don’t really imagine a 'healthy' looking young person suffering from Arthritis. Growing up, the only person I’d ever seen with it was my great-grandmother (old). Needless to say I was surprised when a good friend was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 35. One day she was fine, playing soccer, and the next she was at the doctor’s office in excruciating pain - being told that she would probably end up in a wheelchair. Her life was turned upside down and it took years before she was able to manage her symptoms with a variety of costly medications. She’s in remission but she still suffers.

My friend’s diagnosis is not abnormal. Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide. Currently there are 46 million people with various forms of arthritis in the U.S., 8 million in the UK and 3 million in Australia, with an average age of 45. It is the most common cause of disability in the United States.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when your immune system, which normally protects your body from infection, attacks your body's tissues, destroying the lining of the joints.  RA causes painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. RA is difficult to diagnose as well, because it begins gradually with subtle symptoms that include painful swollen joints, fatigue and prolonged morning stiffness.

Although RA is a progressive and potentially debilitating disease, the severity of the joint damage may be lessened if signs and symptoms are recognized and the disease is treated in its early stages.  Signs to watch for include fatigue, morning joint stiffness, difficulty in moving joints, and pain and inflammation in or around joints.  

The second most common form of Arthritis is Osteoarthritis (OA). OA is usually a result of age-related wear and tear or an injury. It is a progressive disease that affects the joints of the body as the cartilage breaks down and becomes torn or thin over time. This results in joint pain and swelling.

The way that OA affects people varies from person to person, but most often OA affects the fingers, hips, back, knees, toes, and neck. As OA symptoms progress, joint pain worsens and over time it can lead to difficulty walking, immobility and disability. Symptoms of osteoarthritis can be mild, moderate, or severe.  

Living with Arthritis can be challenging and Actress Kathleen Turner has turned her 18-year battle with RA into a teaching experience. Known for her sultry voice and sexy roles Turner hasn't let RA slow her down despite the pain and joint stiffness. "I remember vividly finding out that I had arthritis," says Turner,  “All I could think about was how I would deal with it, how would I be a mother, how would I carry on? I didn't know what was happening to me. I didn't know why there was so much pain, and why I felt so ill,” said Turner.

By the time she was diagnosed with RA, Turner could hardly turn her head or walk and was told she would end up in a wheelchair. Today, Turner says she feels in control of her RA because she’s educated herself about the disease and her options. She is encouraging people with RA or with RA symptoms to act fast and empower themselves with information about the disease.  “I want people to know that they can get information, to know that they can manage this disease, and they can fight for their lives and their lifestyle.  I want them to know that there is help.” In 2002 Turner partnered with Wyeth, the maker of RA drug Enbrel, to let others know that RA does not have to mean a lifetime of limitations, pain, and unanswered questions.

If you think you, a friend, or a family member may have you should see a rheumatologist who can talk to you about the condition as well as medications. Early diagnosis is critical in providing patients with treatments that can inhibit the progression of the disease so they may lead more normal lives.  HealthWorldNet believes that someday Arthritis will be a thing of the past just like Polio.

Stacy Matson is a health enthusiast from Southern California and regularly blogs on Celebrity Health for A Healthier World, as well as contributing to the Best of the Best.