Did you know that about 54 million adults in America have at least one of the over 100 types of arthritis? Arthritis is a general term for any condition that affects your joints and the tissues around them.
Certain behaviors and conditions increase your risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of them may be within your control, such as:
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Joint injuries from falling or playing sports
Doing the same motion over and over, like bending or squatting If you feel pain or stiffness in your joints, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Doctors diagnose arthritis in a variety of ways to include:
- Family history
- Physical exam
- X-rays
- Lab tests
Treatment can depend on the type of arthritis, severity, your age, and other conditions you may have. Some treatments may include:
- Protecting your joints from more harm
- Staying active
- Managing a healthy weight
- Medications, over the counter or prescription, as directed by your doctor
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
If you think you might have arthritis, talk with your doctor about a proper diagnosis and make a treatment plan together. Managing your symptoms can help you feel better overall. For more information about arthritis from the CDC, go to https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/index.html.