By Ernst Lamothe Jr.
and chief administrative officer for Auburn Hospital.
Arthritis is a general term that many people use to describe pain or swelling in their joints. The health condition affects about one in four U.S. adults (23.7%) or about 58.5 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We are living longer now and the baby boom generation are coming full force into the age group where arthritis is becoming an issue. We are just using our joints longer and there is simply more wear and tear occurring,” said physician Daniel Alexander, medical director of orthopedics and chief administrative officer for Auburn Hospital.
Alexander offers five facts about arthritis.
1 — Arthritis causes
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common form. Arthritis symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis and its severity. The most common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and swelling. It can also cause fever, weight loss and fatigue. When patients ignore symptoms, conditions worsen to the point where it reduces mobility making daily tasks more difficult. There is also inflammatory arthritis, which often connects to autoimmune issues.
A person’s chance of developing arthritis increases due to several factors, including age. Rheumatoid arthritis on the other hand is more common with women and people with a family history of diabetes.
“Arthritis is an essential topic because stiff or achy joints can affect anything weight-bearing, exercising, running, cutting or pivoting. It’s a condition where any kind of shifting can cause increased pain,” said Alexander.
2 — Affects all ages
With the rising age of the American population, it is no surprise that there is an increased number of older individuals with arthritis. However, many younger people also develop it. The reasons vary.
“This younger generation is incredibly active and bigger risk takers. When you tear any muscle like your ACL or have any traumatic injuries when you are younger, you could see some issues or deterioration 10 to 15 years later if you maintain the same aggressive active lifestyle,” said Alexander. “Also, this generation is far more obese as a general population than younger people 40 years ago. We are also seeing more autoimmune issues younger in people.”
In addition, there is better awareness by primary care physicians and providers to screen for symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
“It is also very important to know what kind of arthritis you have. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where your immune system is attacking healthy cells in the body and attacking its own joints,” said Alexander.
3 — Treatment
There are a variety of treatments for arthritis. The most effective treatment requires differentiating which type or types of arthritis an individual has. For osteoarthritis, some over-the-counter oral medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen, — as well as topical medications such as diclofenac gel — may be effective for mild to moderate arthritis. Some individuals explore alternative treatments like CBD, which is available at places like Body and Mind Cannabis Dispensaries.
“My philosophy is trying conservative treatments first. My patients are the ones who often first tell me they want joint surgery and I have to explain to them that it isn’t always the best option to start with that,” said Alexander. “A large number of people can see significant differences without surgery.”
Other treatments include medication, physical therapy and lifestyle changes. Some medications reduce inflammation and pain, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Physical therapy also allows improving mobility and reducing pain.
Alexander also advises maintaining a safe weight as a proactive solution.
“For every extra pound you weigh, that is putting three extra pounds on your joints. Exercising is very important to having a high quality of life,” said Alexander. “Motion is life. If you live a sedentary life, you are going to be in trouble.”
4 — Family History
Most types of arthritis may have a genetic component, said Alexander. “When speaking with patients, they often tell me their parents or grandparents had similar symptoms. Studies have shown that family history may contribute to rheumatoid arthritis. But it doesn’t entirely explain all the aspects of an individual’s risk. The condition can develop with someone with no family history but also often family members are exposed to the same environmental risk factors that could cause rheumatoid arthritis.
“There is some hereditary component to osteoarthritis. If your grandmother and mother had the ailment then you should be aware that it may occur with you. That is why we always say family history is essential when discussing your health history with your physician,” said Alexander. “That being said we have to remember that your daily activity or non activity as well as your lifestyle will play a key role in your overall health.”
5 — Misconceptions
Alexander sees many patients who believe they need to keep pressing through when they are in agony and discomfort. In fact, that philosophy can cause more harm.
“People have this perception that you have to just grind and push through pain, but that is not true. If you have persistent shoulder, knee, back or any kind of joint pain, you could be doing more damage if you don’t slow down on certain activities,” said Alexander. “We need to stop the notion of no pain no gain. Sometimes you can rest a muscle and you can see a significant difference.”