Arthritis & Joint Diseases |
| Arthritis & Joint Diseases |
| According to Healthy People 2010, arthritis is one of the most common conditions in the United States and affects more 43 million people. That translates into an ailment shared by about one in six Americans. Arthritis is an important disease in America as it is the leading cause of disability. Arthritis can limit the ability to enjoy everyday life. There are more than 100 types of diseases and conditions that are included in the category of arthritis. The most common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and gout. The cause of arthritis is not fully understood. There have been associations with an increase incidence of arthritis in individuals that have family members that have been diagnosed with arthritis, in older population groups, women, and Caucasians. There is evidence that individuals who have suffered traumatic injury or engaged in repetitive motions may be at higher risk. The symptoms most associated with arthritis are pain, stiffness, and swelling. There is no cure for arthritis, however, instituting a robust program of weight control, exercise and pain management will minimize the effects of these diseases. Other treatments include judicious use of heat, massage, and a variety of medicines such as acetaminophen (for pain), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen, or naproxen (for inflammation and pain), and corticosteriods (for inflammation). |
My Vital Health Arthritis Assessment |
1. Do you experience severe joint pain?
2. Do you limit or avoid a daily activities because of joint stiffness or pain?
3. Have you missed work or a special engagement because of joint pain or
stiffness?
4. Have you ever thought you should seek medical attention because of joint
pain or stiffness?
If you answered yes to any question, please contact your physician to determine if you could have arthritis. |
| 1. Seek Medical advice or attention if you have any symptoms 2. Maintain ideal weight. 3. Exercise daily. Try:
4. Minimize repetitive work motion whenever possible. 5. Encourage inflamed joints to rest by using a brace or splint. 6. Check out assisting devices such as canes or walkers, special jar openers, key rings, ink pens, door knob modifiers, etc. 7. Physician approved medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or corticosteroids. 8. Look into alternative medical treatments such as:
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| Vital Health Strategies for: Arthritis |
| Resources |
For more information on Arthritis, check out these resources: Learn about CDC programs, studies, statistics, and the latest research at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion website found at: http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/ Learn how you can donate to Arthritis Foundation, obtain a copy of the Arthritis Today magazine, and learn about arthritis events and programs at the Arthritis Foundation website found at: http://www.arthritis.org/ Obtain professional research and educational materials at the American College of Rheumatology website found at: http://rheumatology.org/ Learn about causes, treatment and prevention of arthritis and related diseases at the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases http://www.niams.nih.gov/ |
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