Can You Lower Your Risk of Arthritis?

As the #1 cause of disability in the U.S., arthritis impacts almost 60 million adults nationwide. By 2040, experts predict that the number will increase to 78 million—roughly 26% of U.S. adults. While arthritis is a chronic condition for 1 in 4 Americans, there are effective treatments that can help those affected to live healthy and active lives.

The term “arthritis” doesn’t refer to one single disease, but encompasses any condition that negatively affects the joints. In fact, there are more than 100 known types of arthritis and related disorders.

There are certain factors that can put you at risk of developing arthritis. Fortunately, there are preventable measures you can take to lower those odds and prioritize your orthopedic health. Keep reading to learn how arthritis can impact your body and the steps you can take to prevent or minimize the effects of arthritis.

How Does Arthritis Affect Your Body?

Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation or swelling in your joints. This can lead to limited muscle range and creates pain or stiffness in your knees, wrists, shoulders, ankles, and hands. In serious cases, inflammation can cause permanent joint damage or affect other bodily organs (such as the heart, lungs, or kidneys).

Arthritis mostly affects women and older adults. However, like other diseases, arthritis doesn’t discriminate—it can impact people of any gender, ethnicity, or age. Children can also develop arthritis.

Common Types of Arthritis

The wide range of arthritis types can be overwhelming to imagine. However, certain types of arthritis are more common than others. Here are some common forms of arthritis that are prevalent in our nation today:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA). This is the #1 type of arthritis today, and impacts more than 32.5 million U.S. adults. It mostly impacts the hands, spine, hips, and knees. Often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, it’s common in older adults as joints deteriorate or weaken over time.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The key characteristic of this type is its classification as an autoimmune inflammatory disease. This means that your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells it perceives as harmful, leading to joint inflammation and pain.
3. Gout. Also known as metabolic arthritis, gout typically affects one joint at a time. It’s caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the joints that leads to intense pain and inflammation.
4. Fibromyalgia. This type is known for its ability to cause widespread pain throughout the body. Common side effects include fatigue, insomnia, and mood issues. This type affects approximately 2% of U.S. adults.

How Can You Prevent Arthritis?

Like most diseases, some risk factors of arthritis are simply beyond our control, such as genetics, sex, and age. However, there are various ways to minimize your risk of developing arthritis. Consider the following lifestyle practices to prevent arthritis:

• Be mindful of potential infections. Some bacteria and viruses can break down our joints. If you experience any sudden swelling, redness, or tenderness in your joints, seek medical care as soon as possible, as an infection might be causing the pain.
• Maintain a healthy weight and diet. While this is advised for most health conditions, it’s especially important to strive for a healthy weight to prevent arthritis, as excess pressure on joints can lead to inflammation and swelling.
• Avoid nicotine. Smoking can increase your chances of acquiring arthritis and even worsen symptoms. It can also make it challenging to exercise and stay physically fit.
• Consider your career. Some occupations are more hazardous than others. If possible, avoid jobs that require heavily physical labor (such as squatting, lifting, or frequent bending at the knees). If this is unavoidable, take care that your workplace has appropriate precautions, training resources, and safety measures in place to protect against injury.

When to Seek Treatment for Joint Pain

If you are experiencing joint pain that endures longer than a few days, it’s essential to seek help from a qualified medical professional.

While mild or short-lasting joint pain might not always warrant an emergency trip to the doctor’s office, consulting a trusted physician will give you peace of mind. 

Symptoms of arthritis that do require prompt medical attention include:.

• Long-lasting joint pain
• Joints that are red, inflamed, or warm to touch
• Limited range of motion that impacts daily activities
• Pain or stiffness in multiple joints

If you’re worried that you have symptoms of arthritis or another orthopedic injury, it’s important to consult with a physician as soon as possible.

Compassionate Orthopedic Care You Can Rely On

At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we do everything in our power to administer effective and seamless care to get you back on your feet. Life doesn’t stop for joint pain, and you shouldn’t have to, either.

Our orthopedic specialists, surgeons, and physical and occupational therapists are here to provide the comprehensive care you deserve. From imaging to surgery to same-day care at our walk-in clinic, we’ve got your orthopedic health covered.

Take the first step to alleviate joint pain by reaching out to us today. Call (630) 584-1400 or contact us online to reserve an appointment.