Unanticipated diseases like osteoarthritis can be a pain in the wallet as well as a pain in the joints. Enabled Financial Solutions Ltd. can’t help with treatment, but can help you take advantage of the Disability Tax Credit. Possible retroactive refunds and reduced taxes mean more money for retirement dreams.

Osteoarthritis, especially in the knees, is most often seen in people over the age of 45. It can happen to anyone and is caused by wear and tear to your joints, work related or sports injuries; excess weight may also be a factor. As the baby boomer population ages, one in ten or ----- million more Canadians per decade, will be diagnosed with some form of arthritis.

Generally, it comes on slowly. At first, it hurts when you move the joint. You may experience pain, stiffness and swelling when you over-do it or when exercising. If the symptoms last for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor.

As the disease develops, you may hear a grating sound when roughened cartilage on the surface of the bones rubs together. It can become a challenge to open a jar, to walk up or down stairs or walk as quickly or as far as you once did. Over time and in some cases, the muscles that hold the joint in place weaken because they are not being used due to accompanied pain.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but active treatment can delay the onset of serious symptoms and make the patient more comfortable. Your doctor may counsel you to watch your weight and get more exercise. You may find yourself joining a health club.

Next, you will be buying pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs, all with a healthy price tag. The cost of drugs has sky-rocketed over the past few years.

When things really get serious you may be faced with Viscosupplementation. This is when a clear gel-like substance is injected into the knee to help the joint fluid regain its viscoelasticity - that is, its ability to lubricate joint and absorb the mechanical shocks of daily living.

Arthroscopic surgery may be required to clean out cartridge debris from the joints. If a joint is severely damaged, reconstruction or replacement with an artificial joint may be necessary.

In addition to medical costs that aren’t covered by your care plan there are the accompanying intrinsic costs. Loss of work, if you are still working, transportation to health providers, additional household help, adaptive equipment or clothing and non- insured health care such as physiotherapy or chiropractic services.

The costs mount up. Osteoarthritis can be an expensive disease. If you find yourself wishing that you could grab back a few of those dollars to spend on the good things in life, help is available.

Turn to Enabled Financial Solutions Ltd. whose Motto is “Get Fi$cal About your Disability.”

Linda Chornobay, CSA, CEO, Enabled Financial Solutions Ltd., 550-2950 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC Phone (250) 514-2699, Toll Free 1-877-381-2610 Website: www.enabledfinancial.ca Email: linda@enabledfinancial.ca