Did you know that arthritis is the #1 cause of disability in the US, affecting up to 60 million people? 1 in 4 adults (25%!) will be diagnosed with arthritis, or an arthritis-related disorder in their lifetime. 2/3 of those folks are actually under the age of 65, so this is not just your grandma’s knees acting up when it’s going to rain. There’s more to arthritis than Uncle Larry’s cranky hip too, in fact there are over 100 different types of arthritis-related conditions (yes, hips and knees are included) that affect many peoples’ abilities to do their daily life activities.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and now is a great time to learn more about this condition, how if affects people, and the research being done to improve the lives of the millions of individuals impacted by it.

Arthritis comes in many forms, the most common being Osteoarthritis (OA) which is the joint disease that probably first comes to mind when you hear “arthritis.”

OA occurs often in the hands, spine, knees and hips. Symptoms are usually (but not always) swelling, pain, stiffness, soreness or reduction in range of motion. OA can be caused from wear and tear on joints, but also results from an injury (an ACL tear for example) or lifestyle factors, such as poor nutrition, obesity and limited physical exercise.

Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, or RA) is an arthritic condition where the body’s immune system is too active and attacks its own cells and healthy tissues. This occurs in the joints, but also can happen in other areas of the body, including the eyes, skin and heart. RA may have a genetic component, but it’s not completely understood why some people’s bodies are intensely symptomatic while others aren’t.

Some research indicates environmental factors may act as triggers, as well as the bacteria in one’s gut biome. Ongoing research seeks to understand this relationship better.  

While there is no “cure” for arthritis, treatments vary based on the severity of symptoms and the individual. As with any condition, definitely talk to your healthcare providers about the best treatment options for you, but some things to consider include:

Medications may be prescribed by your doctor to help alleviate arthritis pain. These include such things as over-the-counter NSAID’s, (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen) as well as prescriptions corticosteroids, biologics, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that may be prescribed by your doctor. It’s important to discuss taking ANY medications with your healthcare providers, even the OTC ones.

Physical therapy can aid in treating arthritis by helping to increase strength and mobility around an affected joint. Physical therapy also works to help achieve proper posture and body mechanics to improve function during daily activities. Our chiropractors can perform some physical therapy services, as well as refer you to additional specialists when appropriate.

Alternative therapies, like acupuncture and massage therapy have been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis conditions.

Other drug-free options to consider are: maintaining a moderate level of physical activity, eating a healthy diet low in inflammation causing foods and meditation. (wait, aren’t these the recommendations for how to improve almost everything health-related?!) Heat and/or cold therapy may also be recommended.

Cold therapy decreases blood flow and is best used during a flare up, for pain or swelling after exercises, or in the first 2-3 days after an injury. Heat therapy increases blood flow to release tight muscles and can be used alternating with cold therapy. If applying ice, use a cloth or towel to protect the skin from direct contact.

Another way to help relieve arthritis pain is with regular physical exercises. Lower-impact activities, such as swimming, yoga, tai chi and cycling are all great for helping joints move through their range of motion without pounding. Since, May is still Bicycle Month, we’ll focus on the benefits of cycling, and the multitude of riding options available.

Comfort, or hybrid bikes allow riders to sit in a more upright position as they pedal, which reduces strain on the back, shoulders and arms. E-Bikes offer a battery assist for folks who are just getting into riding, building endurance or have to ride particularly hilly routes.

Talk to your healthcare providers if you’re experiencing any issues with arthritis pain affecting your quality of life and we’ll help you determine the best treatments to help you reduce pain and enjoy an active life.