Arthritis: What You Need to Know

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can become worse with age. Arthritis is very common, affecting over 3 million people in the US each year, making it the most common chronic illness in the United States and the nation’s number one cause of disability. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, ranging from those related to wear and tear of cartilage to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system.

woman with arthritis

Symptoms

Symptoms of Arthritis include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Stiffness

Treatment

Treatment can help, but Arthritis cannot be cured. Medications, physical therapy, or sometimes surgery can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. In some cases, the administration of a cortisone shot can help ease arthritis joint pain.  Cortisone shots reduce the inflammation around your joint and can be a very effective form of pain relief if you have arthritis.

Managing ArthritisGrandmother dancing with grandchild

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outline 5 key tips for managing Arthritis.

  • Learn arthritis management strategies. Self-management education strategies provide the skills and confidence to live well with arthritis on a day-to-day basis.
  • Be active. Research shows that physical activity decreases pain, improved function, and delays disability.
  • Watch your weight. Maintaining a healthy weight can limit disease progression and activity limitation.
  • See your doctor. Early diagnosis and professionally guided management is critical to maintaining a good quality of life.
  • Protect your joints. Avoiding injuries to joints can reduce the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.

Arthritis is one of the many ailments we can help alleviate, so if you or a family member has arthritis and needs help, a visit to one of Physicians Immediate Care’s convenient locations in Illinois and Indiana is one option to consider. In addition to caring physicians and staff who have been serving patients for more than 30 years, Physicians Immediate Care offers evening and weekend hours, and no appointment is needed.

 

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “CDC Arthritis Program’s Five Key Takeaways,” www.cdc.gov/arthritis

Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org