Arthritis is the nation's leading cause of disability.

• It affects both men and women, and can strike people of all ages, including infants and toddlers.

• One in three adults in Louisiana have some form of arthritis.

• An estimated 5,000 children in our state have juvenile arthritis.

• There are more than 100 forms of arthritis. The three most common are:
  • Osteoarthritis or "wear and tear" arthritis, which affects almost everyone as we age, but can be prevented or at least minimized;

  • Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin and internal organs as well as the joints; and

  • Fibromyalgia, a painful inflammation of the muscles and soft tissues that can also cause depression and insomnia.

• Arthritis costs our nation about $128 billion a year — the equivalent of a moderate recession.

• Nationwide, 47 million people have arthritis, and that number will skyrocket as the Baby Boomers age.

• While there is no cure for arthritis, many forms can be prevented or treated to minimize their painful effects — especially when diagnosed early.

• Research shows that arthritis patients experience less pain and fewer swollen joints when they receive education and support in the form of written information, support groups, self-help courses, and the like.