Re: Rheumatic diseases

Many community members might be surprised to learn that rheumatic diseases are the nation’s leading cause of disability. In fact, nearly one in four Americans – young and old – live with a painful, debilitating, and chronic rheumatic disease. Arthritis is the most wellknown rheumatic disease, but there are more than 100 conditions – including lupus, gout, Lyme disease, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis – that fall under this umbrella term.

Although the lifelong effects of these conditions can be devastating, the good news is that early intervention and prompt treatment by a rheumatologist can help patients manage pain and avoid long-term disability.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people living with rheumatic diseases to experi- ence pain and other mysterious symptoms for years before seeking treatment or receiving a correct diagnosis. As we recognized Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month in September, I encourage anyone experiencing persistent, chronic pain to learn more about rheumatic disease symptoms and whether you might benefit from visiting a trained specialist. The American College of Rheumatology offers a clearinghouse of useful information on its Simple Tasks (http://SimpleTasks.org) website.

Through better public awareness, we can help more people get the timely and effective care they need to manage pain and maintain a normal quality of life.