May is Arthritis Awareness Month

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a national observance meant to highlight the facts about this painful condition and number one cause of disability in the United States.

About one in four adults have been diagnosed with arthritis or a related condition, and nearly 26 million people have reported having to limit activities because of arthritis.

What is arthritis?

There are over 100 types of arthritis — a general term that refers to disease or pain in the joints. Arthritis can damage cartilage, the tough protective tissue that cushions the joints, and weaken the bones and connective tissues within the joints. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Most people suffer from arthritis in the hips, knees, hands, ankles, feet, and lower back.

What causes arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common and can affect almost any joint. The primary causes of osteoarthritis include chronic inflammation, traumatic injuries, damage from physically demanding work or sports, and excess weight. There are also genetic factors that can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis also damage joints by attacking healthy tissue, causing inflammation, and leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Preventing arthritis

While some cases of arthritis require medical or surgical intervention, joint damage can sometimes be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight and taking preventive measures to reduce inflammation by eating a healthy variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while avoiding ultra processed foods and excess sugar.

It may seem counterintuitive when your joints hurt, but exercise is vitally important to keep joints moving smoothly. Getting consistent, moderate exercise helps your joints by keeping muscles and bones strong and helping control bodyweight. Weak muscles cannot support the joints properly, and excess weight increases stress on the joints — both of which can lead to more pain, stiffness and swelling.

Managing arthritis

People can take steps to manage mild or moderate symptoms with over-the-counter pain medicines, hot or cold therapy, and regular exercise like walking and swimming.

If severe symptoms are affecting your quality of life and causing you to limit activities, an orthopedist can work with you to develop a treatment plan that gets you back to the activities that bring you joy and help maintain your overall health.