May Recognizes National Arthritis Awareness Month

In the United States, arthritis affects over 46 million individuals, costing the economy more than $124 billion per year in medical care. The indirect expenses, including lost productivity in the workplace contributing to that staggering number. As the population ages, the numbers and cost will continue to rise in the years ahead. Learn today if you or your loved one may be at risk.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a common term used to describe over 100 medical conditions related to inflammation of one of more joints. Symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and a decrease in motion. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis, the most common type, is referred to as the ‘wear-and-tear’ arthritis and is caused over time by aging joints, injury or obesity.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects joints in the hands and feet and causes painful swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues, causing problems with joint pain.

Arthritis Treatments

There are various forms of treatment to relieve joint pain and improving mobility functions. Common treatments include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising or use of equipment for mobility
• Medication to reduce pain and inflammation
• Surgery for joint replacement or joint fusion
• Physical therapy to strengthen and improve joint function

3 Myths about Arthritis

Myth #1 – Arthritis is an adult’s disease.

While more common in adults, nearly 300,000 children in the United States have been diagnosed with arthritis. Juvenile arthritis, while treatable, can cause symptoms such as fever, rash, and eye inflammation.

Myth #2 – Any doctor can treat arthritis.

Rheumatologists, specialists in arthritis and rheumatic disease, can provide treatment options for issues with joints, muscles and bones.

Myth #3 – Those with arthritis are limited.

Every individual experiences arthritis differently. The disease can interfere with one’s physical ability but with pain and symptom management, some individuals are able to continue normal activities of daily living. Maintaining a healthy weight and utilizing exercise routines may help strengthen joints and improve one’s mobility.

VNA of Ohio offer physical therapy programs to strengthen joint function and mobility and/or recovering from orthopedic surgery.

Call VNA of Ohio Today

Learn more about VNA of Ohio rehabilitation therapy services, or call us today at 1-877-698-6264.