Arthritis is a condition that 53 million adults in the United States live with; almost half of adults ages 65 and older have the condition, recognized in May as Arthritis Awareness Month. Although arthritis can make it difficult for people to do everyday activities and participate in their communities, limitations can be managed with effective strategies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These strategies can be used to improve quality of life, reduce symptoms and reduce disability.
While the word arthritis is used by clinicians to specifically mean joint inflammation, it is used in public health to refer more generally to more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint and other connective tissue.
Arthritis is the most common cause of disability among U.S. adults. Millions report significant limitations in everyday activities, such as walking one-quarter mile; stooping, bending or kneeling; climbing stairs; and participating in social activities.
Having more than one chronic disease or condition at the same time (comorbidity) can make life more difficult for the affected person. When arthritis occurs with other diseases, particularly with diabetes, heart disease and obesity, it may hinder efforts to be more physically active, which is an important part of the management of those diseases.
Stay active: Both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises have been proven to reduce pain and improve functional limitations, which delays disability and allows people with arthritis to maintain independence.
Manage weight: Obesity is common among people with arthritis and is associated with arthritis-related disease progression, activity limitation, disability, reduced quality of life, total joint replacement and poor clinical outcomes after joint replacement. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight may be challenging, but it is particularly important for people with arthritis.
Talk to a health-care provider: Being under the care of a health-care professional and attending regular appointments can benefit people with arthritis.
Barnabas Health: Helping arthritis sufferers
For a referral to a Barnabas Health physician, call (888) 724-7123.