Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in Canada and about 300,000 Canadians have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 1
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints causing swelling, pain, inflammation and joint destruction.1
Psoriatic arthritis is another autoimmune disease that can affect people living with psoriasis. In fact, between 10% and 30% of people with psoriasis will get psoriatic arthritis. It usually begins slowly, starting in a few joints and then spreading over time to more joints.2
Ankylosing spondylitis is also an autoimmune disease. It affects between 150,000 and 300,000 Canadians. The joints in the spine are the target of the immune attack, causing pain and inflammation in the back.3