May brings us to Arthritis Awareness Month. The Arthritis Foundation has online resources to help you understand more about this condition. I encourage you to explore this resource if you or someone you care for has been told you have arthritis.
Here are some other resources to help you understand and treat arthritis.
Arthritis affects nearly 60 million people in the US. It can affect you at any age and is a huge cause of disability in the United States. There are over 100 types of arthritis, all involving some inflammation. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which consists of the wearing down of the cartilage between bones in the joints of the body.
Treatments include medication, physical therapy, surgery (for the most severe cases), and lifestyle changes. Let’s talk about some lifestyle changes that can benefit arthritis sufferers.
Nutrition can be important in reducing the inflammation of arthritis. ComPsych shares 14 Foods to Fight Inflammation while Dr. Andrew Weil has created the Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid.
Credible Mind shares that yoga can be an adjunctive therapy to treat arthritis by reducing inflammation. Movement, in general, is important; however, it is imperative that you know what type of movement is beneficial and what type of movement can contribute to a worsening of your symptoms. The Mayo Clinic has listed some do’s and don’ts so you don’t worsen your pain in the quest to lessen your pain.