Arthritis refers to joint inflammation that causes pain, swelling, and mobility issues. There are over 100 different types of arthritis that affect people of all ages, races, and sexes. It’s a leading cause of disability in the United States.
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, affecting 33 million adults in the United States. Other common forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
Unfortunately, the joint damage caused by arthritis cannot be reversed or repaired. Still, many effective treatments are available that can manage symptoms and slow its progression.
Elaine Phuah, DO, MBA, FACOI, Leon Tio, DO, MA, FACOI, and the rest of our team at Clover Internal Medicine Associates in Fort Worth, Texas, understand how much arthritis can affect your daily life.
In this month’s blog, we discuss practical ways to manage your arthritis so you can keep your symptoms at bay.
Obesity significantly contributes to arthritis progression, as it places undue stress on the joints. Excess weight also increases inflammation, which accelerates joint degeneration. In fact, for every pound you gain, you add about four pounds of stress to your weight-bearing joints.
In addition, extra fatty tissue produces proteins called cytokines, which are known for increasing body-wide inflammation, which worsens arthritis symptoms and joint damage.
By losing even 5-10% of your body weight, you can improve your symptoms and slow down the progression of your arthritis.
Studies estimate that over half of Americans with diabetes also have osteoarthritis. Experts believe this is because high blood sugar levels lead to increased inflammation and expedited cartilage loss.
If you have diabetes and arthritis, it’s essential to manage your diabetes effectively to also keep your arthritis symptoms minimal.
The Mediterranean diet is often recommended for a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown it can also help alleviate arthritis symptoms.
To follow a Mediterranean diet, eat high amounts of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fish; moderate amounts of poultry, eggs, dairy, and olive oil; and no amounts of processed foods or added sugars.
Following these dietary guidelines can reduce inflammation and ease arthritis symptoms.
Exercise is always one of the top recommended management strategies for arthritis. You may believe movement is the last thing your achy joints need, but physically active with joint-friendly activities helps keep your joints healthy and strong.
Try to incorporate a variety of exercise types throughout the week, aiming to include low-impact aerobics (such as cycling, walking, or swimming), strength training, and flexibility training in your workout routines.
Finding effective ways to manage your arthritis is key to maintaining your quality of life, and you don’t have to do that alone.
Our team can partner with you to create a personalized treatment plan that incorporates methods tailored to your specific needs, symptoms, and lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment for expert arthritis treatment by calling our office or using our online booking feature today.
