Did you know...
- The word arthritis applies to more than 100 different diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissue that surrounds the joint, and other connective tissue.
- The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
- There are 1.4 million Missourians with arthritis. 1.72 million Missourians are estimated to have arthritis by 2030.
- Arthritis is the #1 cause of disability in the U.S. and in Missouri.
The Centers for Disease Control recommend the following activities for people with arthritis:
- Learning techniques to manage arthritis - Protecting your body, planning activities and problem solving are just a few skills you can practice every day.
- Being physically active - Research shows that low impact physical activity decreases pain, improves function and delays disability.
- Controlling Weight - Maintaining an appropriate body weight has been shown to decrease the risk of developing osteoarthritis and gout.
- Consulting a physician - If you have pain, stiffness or swelling in or around one or more of your joints, talk to your doctor.
Although there is no cure for arthritis, early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis can help people with arthritis decrease pain, increase function and stay productive.
The Missouri Regional Arthritis Centers are here to help you be an active self-manager through physical activity and self-management programs. However, only 13% of Missourians with arthritis have ever taken a course or class to manage their arthritis.
You can live your best life with arthritis! Click here to locate a physcial activity or self-management class near you and start living a healthy life today.