Arthritis can be a pain…literally. From trouble walking or opening jars to joint pain in general, symptoms can greatly affect daily life in a big way. And with 1 in 5 adults and 300,000 kids – yes, kids! – struggling with some type of arthritis, it has quickly become the nation’s number 1 cause of disability.
So for National Arthritis Awareness Month, our team is taking some time to spread awareness by providing educational information and insights on some possible options for those with arthritis-related conditions.
So here’s the scoop on arthritis.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Crazy, I know! But most of us are only familiar with the most common types including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, lupus and gout. Although each type affects the body differently, the thing they all have in common is pain.
Arthritis is really an umbrella term that encompasses conditions causing joint inflammation (aka OUCH) that can happen to nearly any joint in the body. Arthritis can result in pain, swelling and stiffness as well as redness and tenderness to the affected areas. Some types of arthritis can also affect other areas like the skin or organs and can cause fever or rash. Some types of inflammation can even lead to tissue damage.
Those with arthritis tend to experience issues beyond the medical symptoms. Current stats show that those of working age with arthritis are less likely to be employed and approximately 1/3 of the working population are likely to have limitations in the type of work they are able to perform.
So now that we have laid the foundation and provided some stats, it’s time to talk about what we can do.
Currently, there is no cure for arthritis. Medications and physical therapy can help ease a lot of pain associated with the arthritis-related conditions, but a lot more work needs to be done.
Local physicians are working with patients with different types of arthritis to try and find more effective treatment options and maybe someday, a cure. Here’s the deal though. A lot more patients are needed and without volunteers, little advancement can be made.
Take some time after work or while your relaxing on the couch over the weekend to learn more about getting involved in clinical trial opportunities now enrolling in your area. Clinical trials could be an opportunity for you to learn more about your condition and even have access to some treatments that could benefit you.
Let’s go! Find out more today by clicking here!
