Perhaps because I’m getting older myself, I’ve been thinking a lot about arthritis lately. In dealing with older patients, I find that one of their greatest fears is a loss of function or even a loss of independence. While it is important to acknowledge these fears, at least when it comes to arthritis, there needs to be an equal measure of hope.
The term “arthritis” actually refers to a diverse group of more than 100 different conditions. Collectively, arthritis afflicts nearly one in five adults and more than 300,000 children in the United States, according to the Arthritis Foundation. It is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., resulting in annual health-care costs of more than $120 billion, not to mention the costs associated with lost productivity.
Classically, arthritis has been divided into diseases producing inflammatory damage to the joints (such as rheumatoid arthritis) and the gradual “wear and tear” of joints also known as osteoarthritis. We are beginning to learn that there are many more variables contributing to osteoarthritis besides wear and tear.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis can include joint pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints. With more advanced arthritis, there also may be a mechanical decrease in the range of motion of the joint or even joint deformity.
Because of the diversity of conditions comprising the term arthritis, there is no single solution to this vexing problem. However, advances in medical research into the causes and treatments for arthritis offers hope for arthritis sufferers.
In general, solving the problem of arthritis begins with a focus on three areas: prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, and reducing the disabling consequences of arthritis. I’d like to now focus on prevention.
Prevention is geared toward protecting the joints from wear and tear. It has at least three components: maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active and altering work and recreational activities with a mind on minimizing joint stress and injury.
The load-bearing joints in the body such as the hips, knees and ankles experience significantly greater forces for every pound of excess weight. Maintaining a healthy weight prevents further wear and tear on joints and also can reduce pain in arthritic joints.
Physical activity improves muscle tone and preserves joint mobility. It also can reduce joint stiffness. So, in many ways, regular low-impact activity and stretching protects and preserves joints while reducing arthritis symptoms and reducing disability by enhancing function.
In work and recreational activities, protecting the joints means using them smartly. Warm-up, stretching and cool-down periods are needed for strenuous activity. Use of proper protective equipment can protect joints. Using tools and other work aids and equipment to accomplish difficult tasks can spare the joints from unnecessary damage.
Finally, maintaining good general conditioning and undertaking full rehabilitation of injured joints before engaging in strenuous activities can prevent further injury.
Dr. Matthew A. Clark is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and pediatrics practicing at the Ute Mountain Ute Health Center in Towaoc.
