May is arthritis awareness month

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are more than 53 million adults in the United States living with arthritis.

“The impact of arthritis is different for everyone, but it can be debilitating if left untreated,” said SSM Health Orthopedics PA-C Alyssa Rasmussen.

Arthritis is a general term that describes conditions that affect the body’s joints or tissues surrounding the joints.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but joint pain and stiffness are associated with most of them.

“While there is no magic cure for arthritis, its symptoms can be treated through both nonsurgical and surgical measures,” Rasmussen said.

For patients living with arthritis, symptom management is critical. If left untreated, symptoms can lead to a painful decline in mobility and quality of life.

Some risk factors for developing arthritis are genetic, but there are others that can be controlled, including:

• Obesity: People who are overweight have excess pressure on their joints.
• Infection: Different infections can cause joint problems. Be sure to see a medical professional right away if joints seem swollen, warm or red.
• Injury: Overuse or repetitive movements can damage joints. It’s important to seek care whenever needed.
• Occupation: Some jobs involve body movements that can be hard on joints. Take all safety precautions and see if there are ways to minimize impact on joints.
• Smoking: Tobacco use can make arthritis symptoms worse. It also can make it more difficult to stay physically active.

It is important to seek care for arthritis symptoms if there is unusual or consistent pain, long-lasting symptoms, or a noticeable impact to daily activities and enjoyment of life.

If arthritis symptoms are impacting your life, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider today to discuss your options.