National Arthritis Awareness Month

May 3, 2018
National Arthritis Awareness Month

National Arthritis Awareness Month

National Arthritis Awareness Month

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis can affect anyone but has a precedence of affecting a large portion of people who are middle-aged and elderly. Sometimes, people who engage in accidents or break their bones will have a degree of arthritis associated with their injury. There is a large chance that you know someone who has or has had arthritis. Unfortunately, arthritis is a lifetime condition.

What is Arthritis?

The Mayo Clinic defines arthritis as the inflammation of your joints. This inflammation causes the joints to become inflamed and feel pain. This can become debilitating enough where people try to stop doing menial labor, domestic tasks, or even hobbies that once were enjoyable.

The symptoms of arthritis are stiffness, pain, redness, swelling, and a lessened range of motion. Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in joints. This may cause bone to bone damage, and the damage can speed up based upon injury or infection. Rheumatoid arthritis is when the immune system attacks the joint.

If you think you may have either type of arthritis, please see your physician. They will likely be able to diagnose you based on your symptoms, but may also have the fluid in your joints sent for testing to confirm if you are experiencing arthritis. Medication is usually prescribed. In severe cases, a doctor may suggest surgery.

Tips for Managing Your Arthritis

  1. Medication is often prescribed
  2. Attend physical therapy
  3. Losing weight so there is less force on your joints
  4. Practice yoga
  5. Exercise
  6. Use hot and cold packs
  7. Invest in a walker or a cane
  8. Swimming
  9. Seek out a support group

Final Thoughts

Has this article raised awareness for arthritis? Do you feel as though you know more about arthritis than you did before starting this article? Do you know someone who has arthritis? Comment below!

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