Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints which causes pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. It is a common cause of chronic pain. Different types of arthritis exist, with different causes including overuse, infections, and underlying diseases.

Symptoms of arthritis include pain in the affected joint(s), swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Arthritis affects 52.5 million US adults, more than 1 of 5. It is a leading cause of disability in the United States and one of the most common chronic conditions in the nation.

Wrist-arthritis

 

Treatments for arthritis focus on relieving symptoms and improving joint functions. Treatments can include medications, physical therapy, surgery, and alternative medicine. Low impact exercise like walking, stretching, and yoga can help in some instances. Always talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

walking-2-older-people

 

For more information about arthritis visit the Arthritis Foundation, the Mayo Clinic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mayo Clinic