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Feature Articles: Health
May is Arthritis Month
Tammy Roberts, MS, RD, LD, |
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Arthritis is an umbrella name for a group of diseases that
affect the joints. There are more than 100 individual diseases
that the term arthritis refers to, with three of the most common
being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Osteoarthritis is referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis.
It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage as we age. When
cartilage breaks down the bones rub against each other causing
stiffness, pain and loss of movement. The pain of rheumatoid
arthritis is caused by inflammation of the joints. The exact
cause is unknown but in a person with rheumatoid arthritis,
their immune system is attacking their own body tissues.
Rheumatoid arthritis most often starts in middle age.
Fibromyalgia causes muscle pain and fatigue. People with
fibromyalgia have specific places on their body such as the
neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs that are tender to the
touch. They may also experience insomnia, morning stiffness,
headaches, numbness in hands or feet and problems with thinking
and memory.
Nearly one in three adults or 66 million people is estimated
to have arthritis which is the second leading cause of
disability. Any person at any age can be diagnosed with
arthritis but more women than men are affected.
Two common recommendations for people with arthritis are to
eat healthfully and to get plenty of exercise. According to the
Arthritis Foundation, there isn’t enough research to warrant
recommendations for specific amounts of certain foods to combat
the disease. They do recommend that people with arthritis aim
for a healthy weight and make healthy food choices. This means
choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean
meats and low fat dairy products.
Exercise has many benefits for the person with arthritis. It
can help with mental outlook and with weight management. In
addition, physical activity can strengthen the muscles around
joints minimizing the friction between bones. This helps to
decrease joint swelling and pain. Often, people who exercise
experience increased energy and stamina.
It is estimated that 23 million people in the United States have arthritis but have not been diagnosed. It is important to see a physician and be properly diagnosed with arthritis because different forms of arthritis require different treatment. Proper treatment can help keep joints in the best possible condition and that means less pain for the patient.
Last update: Wednesday, August 23, 2006
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