May is Arthritis Awareness Month so we’re bringing attention to the leading cause of disability amongst adults in the United States by serving up the ABC’s of arthritis.
What is it?
Arthritis, in all of its forms, causes pain in the joints and body. Pain can also come from parts of your joint other than the cartilage, like bone or ligaments. In simple terms, arthritis is defined as “inflammation of the joints.”
Can anyone be diagnosed with arthritis?
Anyone can be diagnosed with arthritis, but there are factors that are both in and out of your control – this can be family history, gender or even age. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, talk to a physician to speed up the process of diagnosis and treatment.
Diet plays a part?
Food is important regardless of which medical condition you are working on. Research your diet, it can help with weight-loss that will reduce pressure on your joints. You can also try to incorporate inflammation-reducing foods (like fish and nuts).
There’s more than one type?
The source of your arthritis may be different than someone else. There are over a hundred forms and related diseases. To name a few, there is rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout.
How can I ease my arthritis pain?
Whether you have a diagnosis or are just living with symptoms, you have options. You can also use heat therapy to improve your circulation, apply hot or cold packs to the joints that are hurting or kick it up a notch and look for medications that may be able to help.
Not yourself anymore?
If you’re not yourself anymore and cannot do the things you used to do with ease, don’t feel like you’re alone. Find treatments that work for you and don’t stop exercising. Opportunities to gain mobility come from doing small exercises (physician approved of course) and continuing to get good blood flow in the areas you have arthritis.
Questioning the cure?
Currently, there is no cure for arthritis. However, some patients do experience a period of remission. If medications are not working for you, talk to your physician about local research study opportunities. Clinical trials test investigational treatments for FDA approval and present a unique opportunity for those who qualify to get study-related care at no cost.
Stay Involved!
Arthritis research is very common amongst clinical research and worth the time if you qualify as compensation may be available for time and travel. Some studies require a diagnosis, others do not. With X-rays being a tool commonly used in the diagnosis-process, you walk away with great benefits.
For more information about our currently enrolling arthritis study or to see if you qualify, click here: http://neresearch.org/clinical-trials/ – !/study/98
or if you’re zealous, you can call us at 203-374-9816
