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Advocating for Arthritis Awareness
Arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability and affects nearly 60 million adults and hundreds of thousands of children. In fact, 1 in 4 adults are diagnosed with a type of arthritis. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of arthritis may lead to early diagnosis and treatment, which may drastically improve quality of life.
Arthritis symptoms can be complicated and varied. Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Reduced motion range
- Swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Tenderness
- Warmth around joints
The first step to managing arthritis is to get an accurate diagnosis of what’s causing your joint pain. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, which is why it’s important to track and share symptoms with a medical provider. Having a clear picture of the location of pain and stiffness, duration, and the things that help ease your symptoms may help your provider properly diagnose your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Several uncontrollable factors may increase your risk of arthritis, such as gender and age. Women are more likely to develop most types of arthritis than men; however, risk increases for all genders as you get older. Other risk factors for developing arthritis are modifiable, which means you may decrease your chances of developing arthritis by making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating well and staying active.
Modifiable risk factors for arthritis include:
- Obesity
- Infection from bacteria and viruses
- Smoking
- Occupations or exercises that involve repetitive knee bending and squatting
The primary goal for arthritis treatment is to manage pain and discomfort by reducing symptoms, improving joint function, and enhancing quality of life.
Depending on the type of arthritis you have, treatment plans may include:
- Medications
- Physical therapy and exercise
- Surgery
- Acupuncture
- Massage
Arthritis pain and discomfort can make everyday tasks more difficult, impacting daily life. While living with arthritis may be challenging, early diagnosis and utilizing pain management strategies may significantly enhance quality of life. Stay active, eat well, be aware of symptoms, and talk to your doctor about joint pain when it first occurs.
