If you are one of nearly 70 million U.S. citizens with this condition, you will appreciate some tips to maintain mobility.
Beginning To Squeak
May is Arthritis Awareness Month
You are feeling the start of stiffening joints. By the year 2040, 26% of U.S. adults aged 18 years or older will have arthritis. That’s about 78 million people. By comparison, from 2013–2015, 54.4 million of the U.S. population had some form of arthritis.
Subject to regional differences, nearly one-quarter of the population is heading for aches, pains, and squeaks. Are you in that percentile? The presence of arthritis normally comes to light following an X-ray. You might have complaints of persistent joint pain or stiffness as a result of inflammation before the diagnosis.
Occurring more frequently among the elderly, an individual in their teenage years can develop arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis differs from osteoarthritis. Posters on this website illustrate and explain distinctions. Building muscle mass and daily stretching help compensate for arthritic pain. But daily chores get more difficult.
Arthritis Affects Normal Activities
- Bending
- Buttoning clothing
- Grooming
- Handwriting
- Jar opening
- Lifting objects
- Prolonged sitting
- Rising from chair
- Standing
- Tying shoelaces
- Typing
- Walking
Arthritis Pain Treatments
With the aches and pains from normal activities, there is a tendency for a decrease in aerobic activity. This can lead to obesity and other comorbidities. Extra weight puts more pressure on inflamed joints. Ice packs reduce inflammation.
Reliance upon nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increases. As topical creams and ibuprofen lose effectiveness, you might graduate to naproxen. This can cause drowsiness.
When the pain gets debilitating, a rheumatology professional might prescribe stronger drugs with numerous side effects. Some patients benefit from cortisone injections. Others prefer physiotherapy or acupuncture. In severe cases, surgery can relieve some symptoms of arthritis, but it isn’t a cure for the progressive condition.
Most patients adjust their activities to new limitations. Assistive devices range from the addition of handrails in key locations to multi-function bottle openers. Which devices are most helpful to you? With a goal of more mobility, discuss concerns with your doctor.
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