May is National Arthritis Month

Nearly 53 million Americans are affected by arthritis, and it is expected to grow to over 67 million by the year 2030, and why it is so significant to observe this condition and bring attention to it.

There are three major forms of arthritis. These are:

• Osteoarthritis – This is the most common form of arthritis which results in the wearing down of the cartilage at the ends of bones. Osteoarthritis leads to bone rubbing against bone, causing pain.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disease that causes an inflammatory reaction to occur in the synovium or lining of the joints. Eventually this will cause the joints to deteriorate.
• Psoriatic arthritis – occurs in people who have psoriasis. It affects the joints as well as the ligaments and tendons that attach to the bones. (www.flushinghospital.org/)

Symptoms of Arthritis:

• Chronic joint pain. Joint pain that lingers on or regularly flares up is the primary symptom of arthritis.
• Joint stiffness
• Swelling around joints
• Joint redness
• Decreased range of motion

Nearly 26 million people are unable to do daily activities because of arthritis. (www.cdc.gov) If you are someone who has been affected by arthritis, the first steps to conquering it is learning the facts, understanding your condition, and know that there are many resources available to help. Although there is no cure, there are techniques that help to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Speak to your primary care doctor to learn more about the resources available to you, along with ways to alleviate symptoms.