Musculoskeletal conditions - arthritis and osteoporosis
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects one or more joints. Arthritis conditions are part of a broader group of conditions of the muscles and bones called musculoskeletal conditions. Some of the most commonly occurring musculoskeletal conditions are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is less common.
Arthritis and osteoporosis are among the world's leading causes of long term pain and disability1. In Australia, arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions became a national health priority in 2002 in recognition of the major health and economic burden these conditions place on our community. It is estimated that long-term arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions affect 6.3 million Australians2.
Overview
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Osteoporosis
Prevention, treatment and self-management
Better Arthritis and Osteoporosis Care (BAOC) initiative
Publications
1 Page 1, Arthritis and osteoporosis in Australia 2008, AIHW, December 2008
2 Page 17, 2007-08 National health survey: summary of results report by the ABS, May 2009
Page last reviewed: 23 August 2010
