Arthritis
Arthritis affects over 3 million people in the US each year, making it the most common chronic illness in the United States.
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can become worse with age.
What is arthritis?
When your joints swell and there is tenderness, you are experiencing arthritis. Arthritis is a term to refer to joint pain and join disease. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, ranging from those related to wear and tear of cartilage to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system.
Arthritis is the most common chronic illness in the United States and the nation’s number one cause of disability.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Pain
Your joints may ache or feel sore due to inflammation.
Swelling
Overuse and inflammation may cause visible swelling at or around your joints.
Reduced range of motion
Due to inflammation and pain, you may not be able to use your joints as you do on an average day.
Stiffness
Swelling and reduced motion can cause your joints to feel stiff.
Arthritis Treatment
While arthritis cannot be cured, treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Physical therapy
Working with or at the guidance of a professional, there are several types of exercises you can perform to help improve joint mobility.
Pain relievers
Over-the-counter medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve the pain associated with arthritis and its symptoms.
Cortisone shots
To help reduce pain and inflammation, cortisone shots can be prescribed and administered by medical professionals.
Surgery
In cases of severe arthritis symptoms, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and improve mobility.
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How to Manage Arthritis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outline 5 key tips for managing Arthritis.
Learn arthritis management
Self-management education strategies provide the skills and confidence to live well with arthritis on a day-to-day basis.
Be active
Research shows that physical activity decreases pain, improves function and delays disability.
Watch your weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can limit disease progression and activity limitation.
See your doctor
Early diagnosis and professionally guided management are critical to maintaining a good quality of life.
Protect your joints
Early diagnosis and professionally guided management are critical to maintaining a good quality of life.