Arthritis affects 1 in 4 adults here in the US

Arthritis is a relatively common condition growing in prevalence. It currently affects 1 in 4 U.S. adults, which is roughly 54 million people. Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of disability.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month. It is time to raise awareness about the impact of arthritis. It is time to educate the population on the growing prevalence of arthritis and encourage lifestyle choices that aid in its prevention.

Arthritis is a condition causing inflammation in the joints. Symptoms develop over time, starting in smaller joints and spreading to larger ones.

Symptoms depend on the type of arthritis and gradually worsen with age.

There are many types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Osteoarthritis

OA is the most common degenerative joint disease involving gradual damage to your joint’s cartilage, breaking down and leaving the bones unprotected.

Grinding bones can cause pain and restricted movement. Fluid may build up within the joints, or bone overgrowth may occur.

The disorder can cause permanent damage to the joints that can be visible, like in knobby finger joints, but sometimes changes can only be seen with an X-ray.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The second most common type of arthritis is RA, a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the lining of the joints.

RA often affects the joints in the hands, wrists, ankles, knees or shoulders. In RA, the body’s immune system attacks the synovium (a soft tissue lining the spaces of joints). The synovium becomes swollen and inflamed, eventually destroying cartilage and bone within the joint.

Arthritis symptoms typically include joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness and decreased range of motion.

Arthritis can be prevented

While arthritis is increasingly common, it can be prevented with regular physical activity and other lifestyle choices.

Low-impact exercises, like water aerobics and yoga, are the best options.

Physical activity improves muscle strength, reduces joint pain and fights fatigue. Exercise can also ease the tight muscles and ligaments, increasing flexibility and range of motion.

There’s no cure for arthritis, but various treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

Treatments for arthritis

Treatment options include medication, physical therapy and weight management. A physical therapist will work with you to determine the best course of treatment to help improve your mobility. You may also get recommendations for various orthotics to reduce joint stress.

Like exercise, eating a proper, nutritious diet has many benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, are suitable for reducing pain and inflammation in the body and the joints. Trout, sardines, salmon and chia seeds are high in omega-3s and can improve joint health.

Nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may help reduce the severity of arthritis.

However, there is no proven research demonstrating that either supplement will treat symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis is often treated with medications to slow down the disease progression.

Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is treated with pain relievers like NSAIDs and physical therapy.

Dr. Sue Mitra is board certified in internal medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. She has been practicing in Brevard County since 2002.