How Much
Do You Really Know About Arthritis?Arthritis is a term that many people associate with older
adults experiencing pain in their joints. But did you know that arthritis,
itself, is not a diagnosis, but a term that describes dozens of diseases and
conditions? According to the National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the word arthritis means joint
inflammation, and may be used to describe any condition affecting the joints,
for people of all ages. In fact, arthritis impacts one in five adults in the
United States and is the leading cause of work disability.To help you better understand arthritis, weve posed five
questions below that explore common arthritic diseases, who is at risk and how
to manage these conditions. How
many types of arthritis are there?There are more than 100 types of arthritic diseases, which
can impact the joints, tendons, ligaments and bones by causing stiffness,
swelling and pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), some of the more common types of arthritis include the following:Osteoarthritis. This kind of arthritis
occurs when joints in the body break down. Its most commonly experienced in
the hands, hips, knees and back.Rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune
disease, meaning the bodys immune system causes deterioration by attacking its
own tissues. It can damage the joints in the hands, wrists and knees.
Potentially, it could also impact the lungs, heart and eyes.Gout. This type of arthritis tends to
impact only one joint at a time. During a flare-up, uric acid crystals form
within a joint and cause pain, swelling and tenderness. Often, it impacts the
big toe.Fibromyalgia. By causing pain throughout
the body, fibromyalgia can have a significant impact on a persons quality of
life and ability to work.Juvenile arthritis. Also known as childhood
arthritis, this condition impacts nearly 220,000 people younger than 18. Its
caused by an immune system that is overactive and results in swelling in the
joints. What
are signs and symptoms to look for?Because there are so many types of arthritis, and because
symptoms may overlap with other conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose.
The Arthritis Foundation says that if youre experiencing the following signs
and symptoms you should consider talking to a doctor:Tenderness, pain, swelling and/or stiffness in one joint or
several jointsRedness on or around a jointA joint that feels warmTrouble moving a joint or engaging in your day-to-day
activitiesAny joint symptoms that concern youWho
gets arthritis?Anyone can get arthritis, no matter their age, gender or
cultural background. However, some groups of people face a higher risk than
others for certain types of arthritis. For example, according to the CDC women
face a higher risk for fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
while men are more likely to develop gout. Further, its not uncommon for
people experiencing other chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and
heart disease, to also have arthritis.Other risk factors can include:Age, with the risk increasing as you get olderFamily history, with some types of arthritis have a
hereditary connection, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and ankylosing
spondylitisWeight, with people who are overweight or obese facing an
increased risk for osteoarthritis impacting the knees and other jointsSmokingCertain infectionsAn injury to a jointService in the military Are
there actions you can take to lower your risk for arthritis?Possibly. While there is no magic pill that can protect you
from arthritis, some people may be able to reduce their risks or at least delay
the onset of certain types of arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
For example, maintaining a healthy weight may help lower your risk for
osteoarthritis; quitting (or never starting) smoking may help prevent
rheumatoid arthritis; and eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and
alcohol as well as purines (thats a chemical compound that turns into uric acid)
may help decrease your risk for gout. What
can you do to manage your arthritis?If youve been diagnosed with arthritis, there are a
number of steps that you can take that may help to ease pain and decrease
inflammation. Those include:See your healthcare provider regularly and follow
their advice. They know you best and can help you devise a plan to
address your symptoms and help you continue to do the things you enjoy in life.Move more. It may sound counterintuitive, but
physical activity may actual help reduce pain and improve the way you feel and
move, according to the CDC. Try out a variety of joint-friendly activities,
such as cycling, swimming, walking and tai chi. If working out is new to you,
talk to your doctor first. With their approval, start small, aiming for five to
10 minutes at a time, and work towards the goal of 150 minutes per week, along
with two days of strength-building activities. Manage your weight. Weight can put additional
stress on your joints. Aim to reach or maintain a healthy weight through diet
and exercise. If youre struggling, ask your doctor for advice.Make healthy eating choices. Research shows
that some foods can help control inflammation, while others may contribute to
inflammation. People living with arthritis may benefit from an
anti-inflammatory diet, which includes fish, nuts, beans, fruits and vegetables
(the Mediterranean Diet is a good place to look for guidance, according to the
Arthritis Foundation). At the same time, try to limit the foods you eat that
cause inflammation, including processed foods like white bread and pastries,
fried foods, soda and sugary beverages, red meat and processed meats, along
with margarine, shortening and lard. Take care of your mental health. Any chronic
condition can take a toll on how youre feeling. And if the condition is
limiting your usual activities, as arthritis may do, it can be especially
stressful and isolating. If youre feeling hopeless or anxious, or youve lost
interest doing the things that once brought you joy, find help. Talk to your
primary care provider or connect with a counselor or therapist. A support group
might also be useful. The Arthritis Foundation is a good place to start if you
think you might benefit from a virtual group.As mentioned, there are more than 100 different types of
arthritis, ranging from common to rare. While weve touched on some of the more
frequently asked questions, theres still a lot to learn about these
conditions. If youre concerned about pain, swelling or tenderness youre
experiencing in your joints, talk to your healthcare provider today.
To find out more about Healthcare Insurance Plans that include
Medicare, Individual & Family, Health & Dental and Vision, call BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama at 251-344-2115.