Living Well With Arthritis

Arthritis is the most common medical condition that affects older adults. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that about half of adults 65 years of age and older have some form of arthritis with the percentage increasing as people become older. According to the CDC, arthritis is a major health concern because it is leading cause of disability in the USA, affecting more than 53 million Americans.
Arthritis is a chronic, degenerative disease that causes inflammation of one or more joints in the body. People afflicted with arthritis typically experience symptoms such as aches, pains, stiffness and swelling in their hands, knees, hips, feet, shoulders, and lower back. Because it affects critical joints in the body, unmanaged arthritis can be debilitating because it can make performing simple, everyday tasks difficult and even painful.
Types Of Arthritis
Arthritis can happen to people of any age, but it is more prevalent in older populations with the most common types being:
• Osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that happens from joints breaking down over time. It is the most common form of arthritis in middle aged and older people and is a chronic, degenerative disease that will worsen over time.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s own tissues. Unlike OA, RA is not limited to joints since it can cause damage to other vital body systems such as your skin, eyes, heart, lungs, and blood.
• Psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis usually affects people who have psoriasis. Like RA, it is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint inflammation and pain as well as skin inflammations in the form of rashes or patches of discolored, scaly skin.
• Gout. Gout is another form of arthritis that can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in joints. Gout occurs when excess uric acid in the body forms needle-shaped crystals in or around joints, leading to inflammation and pain.
There is no single cause for arthritis, but there are certain risk factors associated with the disease including tobacco use, genetics, previous injuries, and lifestyle choices. Athletes and people with physically demanding jobs are more likely to develop arthritis because of the excess stress they put on their joints over time. Certain immune system disorders and viral infections such as Covid-19 can also trigger arthritis.
Living With Arthritis
Currently, there is no known cure for arthritis, but early diagnosis and treatment can minimize the symptoms and help you maintain your quality of life. Treatments can vary, depending on the type of arthritis diagnosed, the severity of the disorder, age, and overall medical condition. Many forms of arthritis can be effectively managed with over the counter and prescribed medications that can limit the discomfort of pain and inflammation. Your medical provider may recommend a team approach to arthritis treatment that can include orthopedists, rheumatologists, rehabilitation nurses, and physical and occupational therapists. Because obesity can exacerbate symptoms of arthritis, consultations with dieticians can help with weight management issues.
It is entirely possible to live a full life with arthritis. Consult with your physician on ways that you can engage in the right type and level of exercise that can prevent your arthritis from becoming worse. Eat a healthy, nutritious diet that lowers your risk of being overweight. Use assistive and adaptive aids in your house and away from home that can minimize the stress that you put on your joints. If you notice a decline in your mobility, ask your medical provider for a referral to a physical or occupational therapist who can help you with effective arthritis management strategies.
Living with arthritis does not have to be painful or difficult. With an early diagnosis and customized treatment plan, you can maintain an active, independent lifestyle and live your life to the fullest.