Parkridge Medical Group - November 30, 2019

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 54 million people living in the United States have arthritis. Are you one of them?

Let's take a look at the definition of arthritis, as well as risk factors associated with the disease.

Are you at risk for arthritis?

Arthritis can affect anyone at any time. However, there are some people who are at a greater risk for the disease than others.

For instance, if you have a family history of arthritis, you are more likely to develop the condition later on in your life. In addition, your age, having a previous joint injury and carrying excess weight can increase your risk of arthritis.

Symptoms of arthritis

Arthritis is defined as joint inflammation--and it's an umbrella term that encompasses around 200 different conditions impacting the joints. The following are warning signs of arthritis:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Decreased range of motion

If you begin to experience any of the aforementioned symptoms of arthritis, talk with a doctor to rule out other potential causes and determine a treatment plan.

Take steps to improve your quality of life

If you are one of the many Americans living with arthritis, that doesn't mean that your quality of life has to suffer. In fact, through treatment, including lifestyle changes, you may be able to find relief.

Some steps you can take to manage the condition include:

  • Staying active
  • Choosing healthy foods
  • Making sure you get enough sleep at night
  • Finding ways to effectively manage stress

If you are having a hard time dealing with the pain associated with arthritis, take action by calling our team of professionals who can help to diagnose and treat your arthritis so that you can get back to living and enjoying life.

Learn more about the robust services offered for arthritis at Parkridge Bone & Joint.

tags: arthritis