Osteoarthritis
Arthritis affects more than 5.0 million adults in California
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, affects 27 million adults in the US
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over each other. It also helps absorb the shock of movement. In osteoarthritis, the top layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away, allowing bones to rub together. The rubbing causes pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint.
There are evidence-based self-management education and physical activity programs that are effective and safe for people with arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides program recommendations for people with arthritis. In California, CAPP is implementing the following self-management and physical activity programs:
Physical Activity Programs
- Walk with Ease – Group Program
- Walk with Ease – Self Led Program
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Self-Management Education Programs
Healthier Living - Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)
Tomando Control de su Salud Program (Spanish CDSMP)
Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP)
Programa de Manejo Personal de la Artritis (Spanish ASMP)