Arthritis - A Leading Cause Of Disability In NZ

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in New Zealand and affects one-in-six New Zealanders over 15 years of age. More than 522,000 New Zealanders are living with at least one type of arthritis.

Canterbury District Health Board’s Clinical Director of the Department of Rheumatology/Immunology, Dr Peter Chapman, says there are many forms of arthritis of which osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common.

Symptoms of arthritis may include pain, stiffness, joint swelling and frequently impact on activities of daily living. If you have persistent symptoms (greater than 3-4 weeks) then you should seek medical advice.

Diagnosis of arthritis is made by asking about symptoms, examining joints and possibly arranging tests such as blood tests and x-rays. Treatment of arthritis varies according to the type of arthritis and should be tailored to an individual’s specific needs. There is no easy cure for most forms of arthritis but there have been significant advances in treatment over the last decade, particularly with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

It is important to keep your joints moving and your muscles strong.

Dr Chapman says input from physiotherapists and other therapists to guide an exercise programme can be very helpful. A person’s knowledge of their own condition is very helpful as this helps self-management which is an important part of treatment programmes.

Arthritis New Zealand’s Arthritis Appeal Week starts Friday 25 September. To highlight some of the struggles people with arthritis encounter, Arthritis New Zealand is launching a new television campaign that will include celebrities wearing orange gloves to replicate the challenge of arthritic fingers, with the catchphrase “Could you handle it?’.  This will help illustrate just how difficult it can be to use everyday objects when you have arthritis in your hands.

Further information on arthritis is available from Arthritis New Zealand or your General Practice.

ENDS