Southern California Chapter
Faces of Arthritis
Think You Know The Face of Arthritis?
Take Another Look
The word "Arthritis" actually refers to not just one disease, but more than 100 different diseases that affect the joints as well as other parts of the body. Often misunderstood as a disease of the elderly, arthritis often strikes without regard for age. It can bring intense pain to young adults, children and even babies. Over a quarter of a million children in the U.S. have some form of arthritis. It can start as early as infancy and will last their lifetime. Juvenile arthritis is medically different from the adult form and in many cases is more severe. It can cause joint deformities and affect a child's growth, eyes and organs.
As the only national voluntary health agency devoted to arthritis and related diseases, the Arthritis Foundation seeks to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases. Since 1948, the Foundation has spent in excess of $200 million to support more than 1,700 scientists and physicians in arthritis research programs specifically for the study of pediatric and adult rheumatic diseases. The Arthritis Foundation also provides educational resources to help adults, parents and children manage their arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation offers a large number of community-based services nationwide to make life with arthritis easier.
