Arthritis is a painful reality for many individuals, affecting their daily lives and making simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt or getting up from a chair, challenging. While it’s often associated with aging, arthritis can impact people of all ages, even those in their 20s, despite typically manifesting after age 40.
In the United States, arthritis is widespread, with about 25% of adults experiencing some form of the condition. The term “arthritis” encompasses over 100 conditions affecting the joints, surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues. It’s not just limited to adults; more than 294,000 children under the age of 18 also suffer from arthritis.
At Coastal Orthopedics, we aim to relieve patients from various types of arthritic pain. We understand the complexities of this condition and the impact it can have on an individual’s life. In our infographic, “What to Know About Arthritis,” we delve into the different forms of arthritis, their effects, and the most recent strategies for managing and alleviating symptoms. By exploring this information, we hope to help our patients better understand their condition and discover effective ways to find relief.
Essential Facts About Arthritis
- The most prevalent form is osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative disorder caused by the deterioration of cartilage that normally cushions the joints. Inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis, are autoimmune conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and painful swelling that can ultimately cause joint deformity. These typically begin in middle age.
- Arthritis ranks as a leading cause of chronic pain and disability among older adults.
- Osteoarthritis is the most frequently diagnosed form of arthritis. By 2040, an estimated 78 million U.S. adults will have arthritis.
- Over 25 million U.S. adults experience limitations in daily activities due to arthritis
- Arthritis remains the top cause of disability in the U.S.
Tips and Strategies to Manage Arthritis
If you’re battling arthritis or aiming to mitigate severe arthritis pain, while prevention isn’t guaranteed, most adults will face some form of arthritis. A key factor in arthritic pain is systemic inflammation. Here are several strategies to curtail inflammation and reduce the severity of arthritis symptoms:
Should You Get Help for Arthritis?
When addressing arthritis, the decision to seek treatment, including surgery, largely depends on individual pain tolerance and how the condition impacts daily activities. Some individuals with mild arthritis opt for early intervention to preempt prolonged discomfort, while others may not perceive their pain as significant, even when X-rays reveal extensive joint damage.
Arthritis manifests differently in everyone; some may never require treatment, while others with less severe arthritis might need surgical intervention. The right time to consult a specialist is when arthritis disrupts your daily life.
If it’s a minor annoyance, you may want to consider anti-inflammatory medications, exercises, and physical therapy. However, if the pain does not go away and becomes worse, other options, like injections, braces, or surgery, may be necessary.
If your ability to perform everyday tasks is compromised due to arthritis, talk to one of the specialists at Coastal Orthopedics by scheduling an appointment.
