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How to Relieve Arthritis Pain
“Pain” as a category holds so many different types of conditions within it that it can be hard to zero in on what we’re suffering from, the cause behind it, and how we can treat it.
As part of Pain Awareness month, we’re breaking down the main types of pain to increase understanding in the hopes that through education, detection, and action, we can fight pain more efficiently.
Arthritis is one of the three most common and costly types of pain. According to the CDC, arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are a leading cause of work disability among US adults. It cost the U.S. economy a staggering $304 billion in 2013, not to mention the mental, emotional, and of course physical toll on individuals afflicted.
What Exactly is Arthritis?
By definition, arthritis sounds simple enough: tenderness and inflammation of the joints. But upon closer examination, arthritis reveals itself as a shape-shifting concept that’s difficult to pin down.
“Arthritis” is actually an umbrella term for over 100 different conditions. Ranging from autoimmune diseases to straightforward injuries, the causes of arthritis are varied and symptoms can run the gamut from painful swelling and loss of mobility to mild discomfort. That makes arthritis difficult to diagnose specifically and sometimes impossible to prevent.
Two Main Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Chronic and especially common in the weight-bearing joints of the knee, hip, and spine, osteoarthritis is caused by your cartilage (the coating on the ends of the bones) being destroyed. Most people develop osteoarthritis as they age from wear and tear. Younger people can also develop it due to an injury or overuse.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
In this inflammatory disease, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect all of the body’s joints, and even some organs.
Gout, fibromyalgia, and lupus are other less common forms of arthritis.
Who Can Have Arthritis?
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just older people who suffer from arthritis. More than 50 million adults and almost 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. The likelihood of getting arthritis does increase with age, though, and it is a condition found most commonly in women.
Some factors can increase your risk of arthritis.
Risk Factors
Weight
Being overweight or obese increases the change of knee ostearthrtisis, as extra weight puts more stress on the goings.
Infection
Some bacteria and viruses can infect the joints with lasting consequences. If your joints become unexpected swollen, warm, or red, see a doctor immediately.
Injuries
An injury, overuse, or repetition can cause osteoarthritis to develop in a joint.
Occupation
Occupations that involve repetitive bending, squatting, and lifting can cause osteoarthritis. Even office work can lead to osteoarthritis in the spine or wrists.
Smoking
Besides all of the health issues that come with consuming cigarettes, smoking also increases a person’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and can make the disease worse
Unfortunately, there are also risk factors you cannot control against, such as age, gender, and genetics.
The CDC estimates that by 2040, 78 million - 26% - of U.S. adults over 18 will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
Preventative Measures
Staying active is the number one thing you can do to prevent osteoarthritis. A healthy weight, moderate exercise, and eating well all help you keep arthritis at bay.
That means taking care not to overdo it, either. Rest is an important part of an active lifestyle. You also want to switch up your activities as to not overwork any particular joint. It’s best to partake in low-impact activities such as swimming and walking.
If you work a strenuous job, make sure to take care of yourself with proper form while you work, and by doing special exercises off the clock that counterbalance the repetitive motions you do during the day. Stretching daily or doing yoga will help keep you limber.
Treatment for Arthritis
As of today, there is no cure for arthritis.
That’s not very helpful for the millions of Americans with chronic pain who have trouble performing daily activities.
Treatment plans aim to curb pain, limit inflammation, and preserve joint function. They are individualized and involve short-term approaches such as medication, heat and hold, joint immobilization, massage, and acupuncture, and long term approaches including prescription medications (known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), corticosteroids, joint fluid injections, and surgery.
These treatments are of varying efficacy, and many people struggle to find something that works for them consistently.
As part of Pain Awareness Month, we’re proud to share that one of our products has been clinically proven to temporarily relieve arthritis pain.
Dr. Dennis collaborated with another doctor, a Head and Neck Surgeon to find this solution for pain: a topical analgesic with a unique, groundbreaking formula that allows you to keep moving.
Unlike other topical pain rubs, SOOTHE & MOVE dissipates pain without burning, chilling, or stinging your skin. It’s made from powerful natural ingredients and contains absolutely no irritants. Its light scent also vanishes quickly.
Thoroughly tested and FDA compliant, SOOTHE & MOVE offers fast, targeted relief that penetrates deeply.
If you suffer from arthritis, learn more about SOOTHE & MOVE and how it can help you today.
Sources
Dr. Dennis Colonello (D.C.) is the team Chiropractor for the Los Angeles Clippers and has treated dozens of A-list celebrities. He’s seen patients with all kinds of ailments caused by poor posture. His input helped us craft this revolutionary chair with better health for everyone in mind.
When is comes to chair design, Jim Grove is the person to contact as he has been behind the intricate design of office chairs that stand apart from any other chairs on the market. He and his company, Designworks USA, have provided design, engineering, and analysis for major companies - including BMW.
Together they are a powerhouse of knowledge and experience which allowed us to bring together the best of the best in health, luxury and durability with All33’s BackStrong.
